Elizabeth Ann Schlinkert Lenich

Elizabeth Ann Schlinkert Lenich, “Libby”, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2006, at the age of 86. She was born in Centralia, Illinois on September 14, 1920 to Walter Edward and Charlotte Marie Schlinkert. Libby graduated from Centralia High in 1938, attended Lindenwood University and the University of Illinois. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942, where she received a BS in Home Economics, and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. After a short career in teaching, she married Michael Emil Lenich in August of 1947. Mike’s Air Force military career began soon after their marriage, and Libby happily began her career as a mother, a homemaker, and “an officer’s wife”. Mike’s career took them to Alaska, Washington DC, California, Wyoming, and finally back to the Midwest, settling in north central Indiana, near Peru. She remained in Indiana after Mike’s passing in 1987, until she moved to Austin four years ago to be near family. Libby always loved her role as a homemaker and mother to her two children, Ann and Bob. She was an avid gardener and bridge player. Her garden was always filled with irises, and there was always time to play a hand of cards. She loved to shop for, and collect antiques, a passion that her husband Mike always encouraged with a smile on his face. She was a member of the Officer’s Wife’s Club (OWC) wherever Mike was stationed, and the protestant women of the chapel. She was also a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and The Eastern Star of Centralia. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister, Barbara Schlinkert of West Lafayette, Indiana, her daughter, Dr. Ann Lenich Hards and husband, Dr. Bob Hards, of Denver, Colorado, her son, Bob Lenich, wife Jennifer Lenich, and her only grandson, Ian Michael Lenich, all of Austin. Libby had her “good buds” sprinkled throughout the country, and the family would love to say a special thank-you to Kathy, Sue, Fran and Nataya who kept in close touch even after Libby moved to Austin. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Libby over the past several years, especially Dr. Allen Sonstein, Dr. Tom Hill, and the wonderful staff at the Summit. A memorial celebration of Libby’s life will be held at St. Theresa’s Church on Wednesday, December 27th at 7:30 p.m. with Father Bill Brooks officiating. A small gathering will be held immediately following. Family burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on Libby’s behalf to the American Cancer Society. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com