Elizabeth Whitford, 77, of Long Prairie passed away on January 14, 2021 at the CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie with family by her side.
Liz was born on February 6, 1943 to Emil and Doris (Fox) Schilman in Park Rapids, which is also where she was raised. She married Warren Nauber on July 9, 1960 in Akeley. The couple had three children, Richard, Rodney and Jerry. In 1968 they moved to Clarissa where they farmed. Liz married Merle Whitford on January 19, 1982 in Rapid City, SD and shortly thereafter moved to Hoffman, MN. In 2003 they moved to Garden City SD. Merle passed away in 2004. Liz then moved to Long Prairie where she has resided since.
Liz always found reward in helping others. This was reflected in her role as a nurses’ aide in several nursing homes, including the Clarissa Care Center. She also enjoyed her work in restaurants, cooking and waitressing. Liz loved to fish, especially for bass and crappies. Sewing and quilting brought her pleasure. She loved trips to casinos and playing bingo. Getting together with family and friends to play cards was always a highlight. More than anything Liz loved to socialize and make people laugh. Liz enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her sisters, Margaret (Ray) Demmon of Nevis, Ida Fuller of Brainerd, three sons, Richard (Bonnee) Nauber of Plymouth, Rodney (Kathleen) Nauber of Clarissa and Jerry Nauber; two stepdaughters, MerlLynda (Mike) Heiser of Parkers Prairie, Vaye (Perry) Casperson of Crookston, and three step-sons, Marty Whitford of Sturgis SD, Glenn (Brenda) of Farmington NM, Gregg (Monica) Whitford of Albuquerque NM and 25 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband Warren Nauber, her husband Merle and three brothers, Orville, Ted and Ottis “Tuffy” Schilman.
A memorial service will be at a future date at the Williams Dingmann Stein Chapel in Long Prairie, MN with a private family interment at Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota.