Obituary of Elizabeth M. VanAtta

"Liz" Age 97, of Elmira passed away at her home on Friday, August 11, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Liz was born August 19,1919 to the late Orrin and Bertha (Liddele) Spencer. She is predeceased by her husband of sixty years, Gordon, son and daughter-in-law Richard and Sherry; four brothers and six sisters. Liz is survived by son Ronald of Oakland CA; son and daughter-in-law Dale and Rose of Elmira; daughter and son-in-law Margie and Jerry Hess of Corning; ten grandchildren, Joan (Steven) Chesebro, Richard "Rik" VanAtta, Jr., Mark VanAtta, Jayne Thatcher, Joseph (Carol) VanAtta, David (Colleen) Hess, Gary Hess, Michele (Thomas) Lear, Melissa (Michael) Brown, and Brandon Walton; seventeen great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; special niece Marlene Pecka of NC; brother-in-law Harold Taylor of Elmira; along with several nieces, nephews and friends. Liz worked in real estate for many years and was a long time member of Caton United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, winters in Florida, and summers at Keuka Lake. Liz's family would like to extend a special thanks to caregivers, Jackie, Peg, Sherry, Nichol, Ginger and many others who took such loving care of our mother and grandmother during her final years of life. Also a special thank you to Hannah Foster, FNP and the home care nurses that took care of her medical needs. Family and friends are invited to call at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Thursday, August 17, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A funeral service, officiated by Reverend Chad Sayres, will follow. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Liz with a memorial to Caton Methodist Church, 11186 Hendy Hollow Road, Corning 14830, or to a charity of one's choice.