BANTZ, Elizabeth Ann "Liz" (Lynam) - b. March 14, 1937 - d. June 18, 2026

[patyrn]

Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Bantz, age 89, of Howard, Kansas, passed away June 18, 2026 at the Eureka Nursing Center in Eureka, Kansas.  She was born on March 14, 1937 in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Paul Arnold and Cecile Caroline (Shadley) Lynam.

On July 18, 1964, Liz married Rex Albert Bantz.  They were married for 44 years until his passing on April 13, 2008.  Until both of their girls were in school, Liz was a homemaker.  She then worked for Elk County Rural Water District No. 47, Tom and Sue's Grocery, Elk County Clerk's Office, and then retired from the Elk County Extension Office after 20+ years of service.  She volunteered at the Howard City Library and served on the Library Board.

Liz loved to read and enjoyed computer games and puzzles.  She was strong in her faith and was a member of the Howard United Methodist Church and a former member of the Howard Mothers Club, Union Center Homemakers, UMC Lamplighters, Country Squares Square Dance Club, and PEO.  She loved her family and her cat, Scooter, who accompanied her to assisted living and later the Eureka Nursing Center.  She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her two daughters, Paula McAlister of Howard, Kansas and Reann (Roger) French of Tonganoxie, Kansas; four grandchildren, Scott McAlister of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Abbie Jo McAlister of Howard, Kansas, Garrett French of Huntington Beach, California, and Nicholas French of Parkville, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Ellison Jo and Klaira Elizabeth McAlister; sister-in-law, Janey Criger of Humboldt, Kansas; and nieces and nephews, Mike Criger, Mark (Monica) Criger, and Donna Ellsworth.  Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rex; her stepmother, Martha Lynam; her brother-in-law, Don Criger; and nephews, Marty Criger and Chris Ellsworth.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at10:30 a.m. at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas.  Memorials have been suggested to the Eureka Nursing Home Activity Fund and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)