Obituary of Elizabeth "Liz" Conrad

Flagler resident Elizabeth Ann Conrad, 87, passed away peacefully June 23, 2015 at the Aspen Leaf Assisted Living facility in Flagler, CO. Liz was born October 24, 1927 in Brewster, KS to Charles and Alma (Schoen) Armitstead, Eliza-beth was the 4th of 9 children. The family moved to Flagler when she was 3 years old. She was proud to tell everyone that she was a lifelong resident of Flagler. Liz graduated from Flagler High school in 1945. After graduation she continued working for the Creighton’s and then at Williams Pharmacy as a “soda jerk” where she often made the ice cream they sold at the soda fountain. She married Ralph Andrew Conrad in April 27, 1946, fol-lowing his return from service in WWII. To this union three children were born, Sandra, Ronald and Ross. In the early years of her marriage Liz worked side by side with Ralph doing various jobs which included harvesting and dry cleaning. In 1960 they achieved their dream by purchasing a farm 5 miles north of Flagler. In the following years she continued to be an integral part of the farm. While Ralph took care of the land and cattle she raised chickens, milked cows, changed irriga-tion water and cooked for her family. She was famous for her preparation of a large noon meal. It was not unusual for friends, neighbors and others in the farming and ranching business to stop in at noon on business or just to visit as they knew they would be well fed! In her spare time Liz enjoyed sharing “supper club” and the accompanying card games with Ralph and other couples in the community. Liz was proud to be a contributing member of the Flagler community. She was happy to help when you asked her for assistance with any type of alterations whether it was shortening a pair of slacks, altering a suit jacket, or needing an en-tire wedding dress taken apart and redone. She was able to sew western shirts for her brother Jim as he had difficulty finding shirts that fit his tall frame. She was also known for raising the best sweet corn and often picked custom orders, whether it was one dozen or five bushels, as they came in so the corn would be as fresh as possible. For many years she made a variety of crafts and baked pies and cakes when the community had a local craft fair. Her cakes and pies were often bought before the craft fair opened its doors. Liz shared her expertise through her many years of involvement with the 4-H program teaching many the art of sewing and baking. She was a charter member of the Flagler American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the First Congregational Church. She used her talents and skills to serve both in a number of capacities including making several banners for the church. The old saying “family is where your heart is” describes Liz to a “T.” There was nothing more important to her than taking care of and being with her immediate and extended family. She showered affection on them with her very presence, her sense of humor, and with gifts of baked and home canned goods, quilts, embroidered dish towels and seasonal handicrafts. Following Ralph’s death in 1992 she “retired” from farm life and moved into town, although she stayed actively involved by doing the book work. Here Liz enjoyed making quilts, gardening, and her coffee breaks and games of solitaire at which she took pride of her “undefeated” rec-ord. Liz continued to enjoy playing bridge with several life-long friends. She will be remem-bered by family and friends for her dedication to family and community, her sense of humor, her many talents, her organization and work ethic, her perseverance and for being a trusted friend and confidant. As a grandmother she enjoyed the times when her grandchildren Matthew and Heather visited from Albany and could share farm life with them. She also enjoyed numerous visits and activi-ties with them in Colorado and New York. She delighted in being able to have her other grand-children, Callie, Ty, and Phillip in her life and often “baby sat.” All will remember her with lov-ing affection. Elizabeth was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, three brothers; Jerry, Jim, and Phil; four sisters; Juanita, Bonnie, Charlene and Irene. She is survived by her children; Sandra (Richard) Jung of Albany, NY, Ronald (Karen) Conrad of McClave, CO and Ross (Tina) Conrad of Flagler, CO, one sister; Shirley Henry of Branson, MO; one brother in-law; Lyle Garner of Stratton, CO and three sister in-laws; Ester Armitstead of Longmont, CO, Anita Armitstead of Lincoln, NE, and Edna Armitstead of Ft. Plain, NY. She is al-so survived by five grandchildren; Matthew Jung of Scottsdale, AZ, Heather Jung of Denver, CO, Callie Conrad of Gunnison, CO, Ty Conrad of Aurora, CO and Phillip Conrad of Flagler, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.