Elizabeth Jane Deines

Liz graduated from George Washington High School and went on to attend Western State College. In 1969, she met her husband, Kendall Deines. The two were married on May 30, 1972, on Kendall’s grandfather’s farm near Bronson, Kansas.

Their daughter, Marcia, was born in Denver, and the family moved to Wiggins, Colorado, where Kendall worked on a cattle ranch. Liz enjoyed her time as a new wife and stay-at-home mom. The family moved to Greeley, Colorado for a couple of years before settling in LaSalle, Colorado in 1977. She drove a school bus for the Weld County School District RE-1 before beginning her career in various administrative assistant positions at the University of Northern Colorado in 1985. When becoming empty-nesters, Liz and Kendall moved to Kersey in 1998. She deeply valued her 35 years at UNC until her retirement in 2020.

Liz had an adventurous spirit, especially in her younger years. She enjoyed skiing and traveling, including a European vacation with her mother when she was just 19 years old. Her love of travel continued throughout her life. She especially enjoyed traveling with her family and making lasting memories together. She also enjoyed riding her own motorcycle alongside her husband.

In her quieter moments, Liz enjoyed puzzles, calligraphy, macramé, researching and maintaing a comprehensive genealogy for her family, caring for her plants and flowers and engaging friends and family with fun trivia contests. She was also known for creating extensive and thorough photo albums, carefully preserving family memories for generations to come. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandsons.

Liz is survived by her husband, Kendall Deines; daughter, Marcia Andersen; grandsons, David Andersen and Erik Andersen; sister, Marcy (Robert) Cain; and brothers, Dan (Denise) Murray and William Murray.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jane Murray; brothers, Robert Murray and Richard Murray; and sister, Margaret (Lawrence) Cohen.

Liz will be remembered for her adventurous nature, the care she put into preserving her family’s memories, and the love she shared with those closest to her.