Elizabeth Monarch

Elizabeth Phalen Monarch died suddenly on Friday, December 9, 2011, during the night in her sleep at her home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was born on January 28, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, and her parents were Richard and Joyce Phalen. Liz attended Vicenza American High School in Italy. After high school, she graduated from Empire Beauty School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1990 and worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician. She was married on August 7, 2004, to Richard Monarch. Liz is survived by her husband, Richard; a sister, Tracey Phalen of Richmond, Virginia; a brother-in-law Lindsay Reed of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; two sons, Don Bliven of Frederick, Maryland, and Justin Bliven of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Dylan, Chase, Jonas and Huxley; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Stephen, Josiah, Rebekah and Andrew; step-daughters, Ellie and Sarah; and her dog, Porsch’e. Liz was a beautiful, caring woman with a bubbly personality. She brought joy to everyone she met with her kind and gentle spirit. Liz was an avid reader of current events, politics, Elizabethan history and pop culture. She loved fashion and travel. Liz was a wonderful companion for her husband, Richard, who is employed caring traumatic brain injury patients at Rainbow Rehabilitation Center, where Liz also served as hairdresser for patients as well as shut-ins in the community.Throughout her life, it was evident that Liz had a wonderful ability to express care and concern and truly be interested in the needs of those she met. She was a member of Grace Place Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and will truly be missed by those who knew her there. Although her family and friends grieve her loss, we rejoice that she is now free of pain and at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Liz’s name to Dawn Farms Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan, In keeping with Liz’s wishes, her remains will be cremated.

Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.