Elizabeth "Liz" Viola Menke, 86 years, of Fort Madison died November 18, 2011 at the Fort Madison Health Center. She was born in Baring, Missouri on January 12, 1925, the daughter of Stephen G. and Mary Louise (Schlepphorst) Mayer who preceded her in death. Elizabeth graduated from Baring High School. After graduation she went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad, before moving to Fort Madison to work at the Sheaffer Pen Company. She married Edward A. Menke on April 11, 1953 in Edina, Missouri and became a homemaker.
Her husband Edward survives her.

Elizabeth was a member of Holy Family Parish, Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Madison, Iowa. She loved to bake and give away her cinnamon rolls and holiday cut out sugar cookies. She loved animals and never met a stray she couldn't feed. She loved to go to the riverboat for gambling, especially the slot machines, take shopping trips with her family and could make Christmas (her favorite holiday) last well over a month. For years she always had family over after the Rodeo Parade for lunch and card playing. She loved family, being a wife and mom, and will be greatly missed.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Edward, of Fort Madison; two daughters Cynthia (husband Randy) Poulter, of Montrose, and Mary Kay (husband Marvin) Boeding, of West Point. She is also survived by one brother, Paul "Bud" Mayer, of Kirksville, Missouri and two sisters, Norma Mayer and Janet Moore, both of Baring, Missouri,
and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Phyllis Mayer, Marguerite Gregory, and Geneva Henthorn, and one brother Stephen L. Mayer.

Per her wishes, the body of Mrs. Menke has been cremated. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday November 22, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, where the family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service. Reverend Mark Spring will officiate, burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fort Madison. Memorials have been established for Lee County Hospice and PAWS Animal Shelter, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.