I recall her days at Mandarin. My good friend and I would often enjoy the restaurant. Liz was just the best - always smiling and joking with us. I am touched by her many outreaches to people of our community. Please accept my expression of sympathy to her family and close friends. Truly a terrific lady. Judirae Obrecht

Matthew, I met you and your mother twice at the Ingathering. She said of all the places to take a vacation, your favorite was going to there. I have marveled at your mother’s humility and joyous self discipline many times in my life. One vacation, once a year, for a long weekend. You must be an extraordinary young man. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

The Dows High School Class of 1976 extends its sincere sympathy to the family of Elizabeth. She was in our class during several years in elementary before the family moved to Nora Springs. Personally, I have fond memories of Elizabeth when attending school as well as Sunday school classes. May she rest in peace with the Lord.
Kirk Hackbarth and the Dows High School Class of 1976

My two sons, husband, and I first made Liz's acquaintance when she was our waitress at Village Inn, which was always our favorite place to dine, especially for breakfast (best meal of the day!). My boys always hoped when we would go there that Liz would get to be our waitress because she always made them feel special. They were (and still are, to a certain extent) somewhat finicky eaters, but she did all she could to ensure that their needs met and their appetites satisfied with care and compassion. We always enjoyed visiting with her during out time there, especially if the establishment was not terribly busy, and we spoke often of her son and grandchildren, all of her she spoke of with great pride and concern, wondering how she was going to help them and also makes ends meet while working two or three different jobs. We were devastated when Village Inn closed its doors once and for all. Although my boys have grown up and moved out of the house to pursue educations, they still remember her and are deeply saddened by her passing. I do not have Facebook, but I was alerted to her passing by my eldest posting about her death on FB when he wrote, "Best Village Inn server ever." I was shocked to learn she has left us because it seemed only last week I had seen her sitting in her lawnchair on the corner of Grand and whatever street that is, which must be near her home, with her little sign asking for assistance, her signature flower in her hair. I always hated seeing her sitting there in the hot sun without even an umbrella to shade her; she was incredibly selfless and willing to sacrifice herself for others. I DO believe in guardian angels and I have no doubt in my mind that she has earned her wings in Heaven. Rest in peace, dearest Liz.

Her presence and her kindness helped teach me about Christian charity. We will not soon see her like.
Dr. Mark Maggio

Ono of the sweetest ladies have ever got to known here in Ames. I will miss her smiles and conversations. I got to know her through the places she worked and where I also volunteer at Food at First. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Dixie Magden

Oh my Goodness another Ames legend has passed away. While I didn’t know her personally, I knew who she was as did everyone. I saw her everywhere. In the Bank, on the street. I always waved and she always waved back.

I've known Liz for 30+ years. She was always a happy person with a great big heat and personality. She is certainly going to be missed!

Liz was loved by many including by my family. I still laugh about the time she cans to redeem so of course I had the bright idea to organize a neighborhood can drive for you right after Covid and boy did my neighbors come through. My yard looked like a recycling center and my husband thought our house was going to be an on going drop off spot. I told him, no silly, just one day! Thank goodness for Mark’s truck! Ames is a better place because of Liz. She literally would give you the shirt off her back, the flower from her hair, and food from her plate if you needed it. The week before she passed away my heart told me to send her a card to let her know I was thinking about her even though we spoke often. I’m so glad she received that card. I’m still not sure she truly knew how much she meant to this community, although I sure hope she did. Her time as an angel on earth is over although I am certain she makes one of the best guardian angels ever.

Gale Gehling & Family

My memories of Liz are as a waitress at the Mandarin and D'Angelo's. Her ready smile, her gracious hospitality, her giving of herself to serve the diners she cared for, all were an expression of her love. Rest in peace, Liz. May you now enjoy the presence of Jesus at the heavenly banquet he has prepared for those who love and serve him. Remembering you in prayer.

We have known Liz for more than 30 years. She mentored two of our Japanese foreign exchange students as servers at the Mandarin. Since those days, she has always remembered to great my name wherever I saw her in Ames. I had just seen her two weeks ago back at work at Ge Angelos after recovering from a tough surgery. Liz was always a cordial and carrying person. She will be missed by all of those who knew her.

Liz was an amazing individual, generous and loving to all who crossed in her path. She was always working for others to better their lives. Liz will be missed in our community, but her gentle soul will always be with us. Rest in peace, Liz.