Elizabeth Jeanne Witkowski

Elizabeth Jeanne Gunn Criner Witkowski, 70 of Amarillo passed away August 23, 2016. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5401 Bell. Burial will be at Rest Lawn Cemetery in Hereford by Memorial Park Funeral Home 6969 I-40 East. A special angel, Elizabeth Jeanne Gunn Criner Witkowski has returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father after completing a valiant life of love and service. Born July 1, 1946 to Richard and Jeanne Gunn, she was raised in Provo, Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in physics. In 1971, she married Rhett Keith Criner. He died in 1980 leaving her to raise four small children. She was an accomplished violinist and taught violin so she could be home with her children. Later she taught math at the junior high through college levels, always encouraging and uplifting her students to be their best. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in numerous callings, befriending many, teaching English, and mentoring refugees in spite of her struggling health. In 1991, she married Gerald Witkowski and was a mother to his five children. She has been an inspiration to countless people through her courage, determination, sacrifice and Christ-like love as she faithfully endured numerous trials in her life. Her special friend, Nanieve Callahan French, was always there supporting her. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rhett Keith Criner in 1980; her children, Daniel, Robbie, Havilah and Darren and her step-son, Jacob Witkowski. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Witkowski; her four children, Ameris Dortch and husband Zac, and Justin Criner and wife Mandy of Lubbock, Esther Cox and husband Chris of Provo, Utah, and Colin Criner and wife Vikki of Hereford; Gerald’s children, Anna Wheeler and husband Ben of Salt Lake City, Utah, Audra Thomas and husband T.J. of Heber, Utah, James Witkowski, and Andrew Witkowski and wife Echo both of Amarillo; her siblings, Kathy, Rick, Jeremy, Becky and Candy; and her special grandchildren, Nathan, Hunter, Zoe, Karissa, Alicenne, Rhett, Clara, Rex, Isla, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Kaya, Aiden, Keynan, Julian, Tobin, Cora, Leo and Lillian. The family suggest memorials be sent in lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Elizabeth’s tireless desire to serve, we ask that donations be made to the LDS Perpetual Education fund. Information about this fund and donations can be made at: https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/perpetual-education-fund.html or to Bishop Reed Welch, 3715 Langtry Dr. Amarillo, Texas 79109.