HOHNECK, Elizabeth May
Elizabeth passed away suddenly, surrounded by her family. Dearly loved wife to Russell, loving mother and mother-in-law to Mark and Janita, Lance and Lisa. Deeply cherished grandmother to all of her grandchildren. She will be forever loved and sadly missed.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at Raleigh Street Christian Centre, 24 Raleigh Street, Leamington, Cambridge 3432 Monday, the 5th of January 2026 at 10:30 AM
Messages to the Hohneck Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or here on Elizabeth’s (Liz) online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz
74 Messages:
To dearest Russ and family
I have been so grieved with the news of Liz’s passing and was sad not to be able to attend her farewell. Liz had a profound effect in my life and secretly wanted to be just like her ☺️ ! I loved her love for the Lord and faithfulness to our saviour . This was expressed in her love for people , her patience, her great sense of humour and her compassion towards people. I appreciated the season of friendship we had and Liz’s spiritual encouragement , her precious time and all the laughs. Russ , I’m praying for you and the family. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing even though there is the delight of her with her saviour , basking in His glory . You both complemented each other like no other ! Thank you both for all your care. Big Love and hugs ❤️
Liz epitomised the soul of Cranford, her gentle, loving way of working will always be remembered with gratitude. Much love to all those who will miss her and admire her way of leaving .
Dear Russell and family
It was a privelege yesterday to join the live stream.to celebrate dear Liz’s life and to support you from afar. Her legacy lives on in our hearts.
May you know hope beyond reason Peace beyond understanding and love beyond caring and May Gods love caring you all through this time
With love
Gwen
Dear Russell and Family,
We are so sad to hear of the sudden passing of such a lovely lady. Please except our heart felt condolences at this very sad time for you all. May you know God’s comfort.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Barry and Barbie
What a wonderful service of reflection and blessing to Liz. She was such a woman of grace, faith and had a servant heart and will be deeply missed. Liz was certainly my dear spiritual Mum and our wonderful friend. I remember so many times and countless hours over these decades of knowing you all when Liz grounded me back in God’s word, prayer, words of wisdom and humor. I will forever be grateful for her personal input she gave me and the great love she shared towards me.
It’s a comfort knowing that Liz is now with the Lord she loved so much and no longer in pain or suffering. Liz has left behind such a beautiful Godly legacy, however your loss is huge. We will be here supporting you in any way we can. Just remember that we have everlasting hope in our Lord Jesus Christ and you will one day be together again with your dear Lizzy, Mum and Nana. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you Russ, Mark and Janita, Lance and Lisa and families. Will be in touch, much love to you all
xx Jonathan and Carleen (little c)
Russell and family,
Such a shock to hear of Liz’ sudden death and I have shed tears of sorrow for the empty space in your lives and tears of joy that she is now free from pain and with the Lord she loved so deeply.
The words of this prayer seem to sum up Liz’ life for the Lord
“I am no longer mine but Yours. Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for You or laid aside for You, exalted for You or laid low for You. Let me be full or let me be empty, let me have all things or let me have nothing. I live to Your pleasure and disposal. You are mine and I am Yours. So be it.”
Deepest love, fond memories and many prayers
Margaret
Our sympathies and prayers are for you and the family. I sat and watch . live stream this morning and was deeply touched by all the tributes to Lizzie. So sorry we could not be there with the family to celebrate her life. Stay strong Russell. Kia Kaha. I remembered Dad coming home one day after his shift as porter at Waikato hospital. He told us that Liz had told him that she was going to marry Russell. He wondered if Russell knew. Never did find that out.
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart
All you who hope in the Lord.
Psl 31: 26
Dear Hohneck family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of deepest sorrow, mingled with joy that Liz is with her Saviour and Lord. The service was beautiful and reflected Liz beautifully.
Blair, Rachel and family.
Treasure your precious memories of Liz, for memories last forever.
Love and sympathy to all the family.
Valerie Koch
Huntly
Wow we were shocked to hear of Liz’s passing into eternity and we are so glad that she is in the presence of our LORD. We feel for Russ and the family as they come to terms with their huge loss. We remember Liz and Russ and their fun, bantering relationship and Liz rolling her eyes when Russ said something from the pulpit. They were fun together. Liz made you feel at ease in her presence. She will be at the greatest ease in the presence of her LORD and Saviour. May the grief be bearable because of Christ. Much love, Al and Sam Whyte.
To Russell, our lives are richer because of you and Liz by the love, support and theology conversations you both gave to our family. We thank God for the gift of Liz’s life and though we won’t be with you in person today, we are thinking of you and your family with both saddened and grateful hearts.
Uncle Russell, Mark, Lance and families.
On Boxing Day morning my family and I were with my brother Andy and his family. My husband had acquired and ostrich egg from a colleague and all morning while we drilled into the egg and subsequently had a lovely breakfast, Andy and myself were telling our children all about Aunty Liz and her beautiful eggs. We told them about all the shelves in her lounge filled with tiny little eggs made into necklaces and hats and giant ostrich eggs on stands with hinged doors that opened to beautiful displays inside.
We were deeply saddened only a couple of hours later to hear the news that dear Aunty Liz had passed.
I am so sorry for your sudden loss.
Wishing I could be there to say farewell in person.
Sending all our love and prayers as you learn to navigate this next chapter of life without your wonderful wife and mother.
Love Nicole, Damien and family.
To Russell and family, our hearts were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May you feel God’s love and strength supporting you in the weeks ahead.
I have wonderful memories of watching Liz as she served visitors to her home with her lovely smile and gentle way. What a wonderful witness she was to us younger women of a homemaker and Christian woman who served her God so faithfully. She will be greatly missed by you all.
Our love to you, Brent and Faye Stanton
To Dear Russell and Family, We are sad that Lizzie with her bright eyes and ready warm smile will no longer be a part of our mortal world. We will miss her. We met you and Lizzie through Mark, Janita, Shalece, Jazmine and Teale and it’s a relationship we have treasured. Lizzie oozed warmth with a splash of mischief in the mix. She was always deeply devoted and caring of your needs Russell and she had such a big strong love for all her family. She was always very loving to Janita and loved being Nana to Mark’s three girls. Our hearts, love and prayers go out to you Russell and to Lance, Lisa and their family and of course to Mark, Janita and their precious girls. Annette and Alan Pike.
My sympathy and condolences to Russell and Family at this time, Thank you so much for the hard work that you have done with the Pastor work that you have invested in People’s lives, May God hold you in his Hand during this time, Cousin Timothy Smith Te Awamutu.
Dear Pastor Russell and the family
We extend our deep condolences with the passing of dear Liz.
It was an honour and blessing to have Liz in our lives.
We remember the kindness and grace she showed to us everytime we visited. The way she would welcome us in and have two surprise bags of treats for us (not forgetting that we are twins and need two things of each!) was like having a cherishing grandmother in New Zealand.
Pastor Russell, getting to know you and Liz through Hamilton Boys’ High School lunch time Bible Study has been a big blessing from God. Seeing you evangelising with boldness and serving churches with Liz has been a great encouragement and example to us.
We thank the Lord for the fellowship and mentoring we were able to share and enjoy with you and Liz for the past 8 years.
We will always remember you and your family in our prayers.
Remebering that Jesus is our gracious Saviour and great purpose of our lives
(1 Corinthians 2:20-26)
Leeban and Isaac Kim
Dear Russell,
It has truly been a wonderful blessing to know you and Liz. We are so sorry to hear regarding the loss of Liz. Liz was truly a model Pastor’s wife, with total devotion to God and the ministry you both did together so faithfully. She was hospitable and cared deeply for the needs of others. She truly supported you all along. She was so caring towards our son Akash and we know how much he will miss her. We all will miss this faithful and godly lady. She loved the Word of God and applied the principles that God laid out in the Bible.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We will keep you in our prayers and we know that our Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd will comfort and strengthen you during this time of sorrow and pain of losing a loved one so dear to your heart.
With Much Love,
Ashok and Vidya
Dear Russell,
It has truly been a wonderful blessing to know you and Liz. We are so sorry to hear regarding the loss of Liz. Liz was truly a model Pastor’s wife, with total devotion to God and the ministry you both did together so faithfully. She was hospitable and cared deeply for the needs of others. She truly supported you all along. She was so caring towards our son Akash and we know how much he will miss her. We all will miss this faithful and godly lady. She loved the Word of God and applied the principles that God laid out in the Bible.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We will keep you in our prayers and we know that our Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd will comfort and strengthen you during this time of sorrow and pain of losing a loved one so dear to your heart.
With Much Love,
Ashok and Vidya
Russell we are sorry we cannot be with you tomorrow as you celebrate Liz’s life. We have been thinking of you all and bringing you before the Lord at this sad time. Thinking also of Liz’s sisters, Gwen, Lois and Margaret and also the wider Hohneck family.
Dear Hohneck family, sending you so much love as you celebrate Liz’s life and grieve.
Some of the ways I’ll (Kirsty) remember Liz,
Riverbend camp when I was a camper.
Her infectious laugh.
Unshakable faith.
Her gracious caring heart.
Her amazing hospitality.
Love for the Lord.
Hilarious sense of humour.
Kindness.
Words of wisdom.
Encouragement and support of the girlzone ministry.
The dining room table length chocolate log she made.
Her strength and grace in physical pain.
They way unexpected guests were no bother (even when the probably were) and always left well fed.
Ability to share a verse at just the right time.
Our last coffee date at Of The Track.
The way she just laughed at the (crazy/unexpected) things Russell, Mark and Lance threw at her.
Her gracious open home policy.
Liz was used by the Lord to richly bless our family in so many ways.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”
Lots of love the Morton family
Dear Hohneck family, sending you so much love as you celebrate Liz’s life and grieve.
Some of the ways I’ll (Kirsty) remember Liz,
Riverbend kids camp when I was a camper.
Her infectious laugh.
Unshakable faith.
Her gracious caring heart.
Her amazing hospitality.
Love for the Lord.
Hilarious sense of humour.
Kindness.
Words of wisdom.
Encouragement and support of the girlzone ministry.
The dining room table length chocolate log she made.
Her strength and grace in physical pain.
They way unexpected guests were no bother (even when the probably were) and always left well fed.
Ability to share a verse at just the right time.
Our last coffee date at Of The Track.
The way she just laughed at the (crazy/unexpected) things Russell, Mark and Lance threw at her.
Her gracious open home policy.
Liz was used by the Lord to richly bless our family in so many ways.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”
Lots of love the Morton family
Dear Russell and family. Our thoughts go out to you. May the God of comfort be your strength.
You have been and are in our prayers. Love Denys and Elvira
Dear Russell and family. Our thoughts go out to you. May the God of comfort be your strength.
You have been and are in our prayers. Love Denys and Elvira
Dear Russell and family
We have thought of you often over the last few days. in the loss of your dear Liz. She was loving, kindly, friendly , hardworking and above all a God honouring woman whom loved you all deeply.
Knowing Liz was a blessing to all those who knew her. She is now safe in the arms of our Lord.
Liz was a woman worthy of praise . Proverbs 31 v28-29 “Her children arise and call her blessed . Her husband also, and he praises her v/9 Many women do noble things , but you surpass them all”.
May our Lord and Saviour comfort you all at this sad time.
With love,
Carol and Evan Walsh
Dear Russell and family
We have thought of you often over the last few days and will be praying for you all in your loss of your beautiful Liz. She was a loving, kindly, friendly, hardworking and above all a God honouring woman who loved you all deeply. Knowing Liz was a blessing to all those who knew her. Though hard for you all she is now safe in the arms of our Lord .
Liz was truly a woman worthy of praise.
Proverbs 31:28-29 :” Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her, Many women do noble things , but you surpass them all. “
May our Lord and Saviour comfort you all at this sad time.
With love
Carol and Evan Walsh
To Russell and family,
I worked alongside Liz for a number of years at Cranford. Liz had an amazing generous spirit. Great sense of humor. In fact I can still hear her laugh.
She always gave so much to everyone she came into contact with.
Sending our Heartfelt Sympathy to you all.
Toni Hartley
To the Hohneck Whanau,
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house not built by human hands”
2 Corinthians 5:1
Taku mihi ki te whanau katoa o Hohneck mo te rongo mo te mate o Elizabeth, Ka tino pouri ahau ki te rongo i tona matenga engari ka kite ahau i te whakamarie me te whakanui i a ia kei te Rangi inaianei te rangatiratanga o te ora tonu.
Love Jordan, Arianne, Grayson, Kallarn and Kyson ❤️
Dear Russell, Mark & Janita, Lance & Lisa and all the grandkids – our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is healed and with her Lord but we know you will miss her very much. We pray that the Lord will comfort you and bring you peace, as only He can, in this time of great sorrow.
We have many fond memories of Liz here in HB. She truly was a godly lady, one who genuinely cared for all who came across her threshold…and there were so many. Her smile, her laugh were infectious and welcoming. Her hospitality so gracious. It was obvious to any observer that she wholeheartedly served her Lord and loved and was proud of her husband, her boys and all her family.
We will continue to pray for you over the coming days, and months. Much love to you all, Kath and Chris Jackson
Thanks guys gir your lovely words, your love and ggf greats years together. If was ax. Honour to be part of your lives.
Russ
Thanks guys for your lovely words, your love and the great years together. If was an Honour to be part of your lives.
Russ
Thinking of you at this time and the future
Dear Russell & family
We can’t imagine the pain of loss you are feeling. Liz was a godly and gracious lady, and a great example of kindness to us. May our Heavenly Father comfort and strengthen as your grief her passing into glory.
Hey Russell so sorry to hear the passing of your loving wife Liz she was a very godly woman helping me in my Christian faith and having me at there home in Havelock nth I’ve always appreciated you guys much love from elton and Paula Thrum ❤️
My loving sympathy dear Russell, Mark Lance and all the family. I was looking at a photo of you all in the kitchen at Riverbend when you arrived just recently What a lot of wonderful memories and fun times we had back then. Liz was a hard worker as you were Russell, and what a wonderful support she has been to you over the years. Our words don’t seem to convey the emotion and way we feel, but know that I am so glad that Liz was a part of my life. And I’m thankful for a word of rebuke she said to me, which was hard to take at the time but looking back very needful. Liz was a beautiful lady. Sorrow may last for a moment but joy comes in the morning.Ps 30:5. All my love and prayers dear family 🙏 ❤️
Dear Russell, Mark, Lance and family,
The Bramer Family extend to you all, our condolences with the passing of your Dear Elizabeth. Thinking of you all, along with the fabulous memories we have of our time with you as neighbours on Te Ohaki Road. So many laughs and times. Eliz, and her generous caring givng nature. May your wife and mother’s unending love for you support you alwayes.
Warm Regards Frances Michels and Bramer Family
Dear Russell and family,
Liz was an amazing woman. She was always there for Russell, picking up after him, cleaning, cooking and the list just goes on!! Always in the kitchen finding food to feed the 20 people that Russell brought home unbeknown to her, until they arrived, on her doorstep. Not fathomed by this, not complaining or giving Russell the evil look (which I am sure most of us would) just finding food to feed them. This was part of her ministry to God, to her husband and to the people who had this opportunity to spend time with her and marvel at how nothing was an issue to her, it was her life, her ministry, working quietly behind her husband , complimenting his ministry . She was a great example to us and many others who were privileged to be part of her life. Her humble, gracious, kind, thoughtful, patient manner was an amazing example of Christ in her life. She was as Paul said ‘ “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1. This is something that Liz showed in her life, she was an example of how a wife should be. We will miss your visits and your laughter!! But we thank God for the blessing that you were to us, our life is so much more richer from having you in it!!
Love Duncan and Adair Rolls
Sorry to hear the passing of Liz. What an amazing godly lady especially to her loving family and her loving husband Russell.
Sorry to hear the passing of Liz. What an amazing godly lady especially to her loving family and her loving husband Russell. Liz will be sadly missed
Sorry to hear the passing of Liz. What an amazing godly lady especially to her loving family and her loving husband Russell. Liz will be sadly missed
Dear Russell and family,
I am very sad to hear that Liz has passed on but am rejoicing for her! I have so many memories of Liz from the Hawkes Bay. She was so ready and generous in her hospitality and welcoming in her home and I used to love coming around for great snacks, rugby and fellowship. I also enjoyed her sense of humour and remember her eye roll which she gave when telling stories of what Russell had been up to last. Russell I’m sending you the biggest hug and pray that God will comfort you and give you strength for the time ahead. Last time we saw you was in Cambridge on our honeymoon nearly 7 years ago but I hope to see you next sooner than that. Love Christy & Simon
Thank you Christie and Simon.
Appreciate your expression of love and memories.
Bless you
Russ
Sitting quietly this last day of 2025, and happened to scroll to a message from many miles from here where our very CHERISHED Kindred Friends/Christian Family Lizzie & Russell HOCHNECK reside.
My heart stopped as the words I read broke my heart, and for Sev moments I sat stunned!
It took me about an hour to go from complete sorrow to being thankful!
Thankful? YES!
God was merciful you see…
Lizzie closed her eyes this side of Heaven on Dec 26, and opened them in heavenly glory!
God gave Russell, Lance, and Mark the opportunity to say farewell (that’s Grace)!
Her Son held her as well as Russell holding her hand had the opportunity to say farewell beloved wife and mother…. See You At Home! ✝️
Lizzie didn’t want the surgery and Gid knew it.
She was tired physically and God in His Mercy answered her prayer and escorted her into where she longed to be….In His Presence, where pain or suffering is no longer an issue!
Instead of getting a temporary “fix” she received a permanent one!!!
Dear Russell and Boys,
Not enough words but we asked Our Lord to envelope all of you in Deep Comfort as you grieve the temporary separation.
We pray for peace, mercy, and grace for each hour, day, and months set before you with time to heal from this wound.
May your hearts turn to joy in the days to come .
Over here thousands of miles away, we HOLD YOU UP IN FERVENT PRAYER
WE WILL BE WATCHING & PRAYING ON MONDAY
AS WE JOIN IN HER MEMORIAL SERVICE.
Eternal Perspective: Death isn’t the end but a passage to eternal life, a mystery that transforms grief into understanding.
Thank you Tari snd Steve.
Your words are rich z as bd sad o t to Iggy ghzz as no you
Russ
It was with a sad heart to hear of the passing of Liz. My condolences to Russell and the family.
It’s with great fondness that I remember Liz.
I have known Liz and Russell in many context over many years. At the Springs in my formative years, when they were neighbours across the road when they pastored for a time in Matamata, when Liz hosted me many times in their home in Havelock when I travelled.
I remember Liz, a godly women, full of Joy, and with a gifting of hospitality.
Her Faberge eggs that she made they were amazing and I was reminded of them again recently when I was travelling in Europe and saw some in a collection and sent a photo back to Liz about them.
Liz will be missed by many of us but we are reminded that her Soul is now with our Lord Jesus.
To Russell and family. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Liz. It was such a shock. I know she will leave a huge hole in your lives.
Praying for the Lord to embrace you and draw you closer and comfort you with only the comfort He can give.
Hi Russell and family. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Liz, I was so shocked! Really feeling for you at this time. Praying for the Lord’s comfort as you navigate the days ahead.
To Russell and family, Liz was such a special lady, full of fun and cheek, those big smiling eyes, caring, gracious, hard working but with
a quiet inner strength,
she will be soo missed by lots of people and friends whose lives she touched, but most of all by you Russell, may the Lord give you huge strength and comfort in the times ahead..
with love and prayers for you all..
We are praying for you as a family that God with surround you with His love and strength as you grieve xx
Russell & family – So sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Liz – all our loving thoughts & prayers with you – Paul & Chris xxx
We are so sorry for your loss Russell, we are grieving with you but also rejoicing that Liz is safe with her Saviour. We will miss her so much, we are thankful for all the years of friendship and memories that we had with Liz and we will always cherish them. I (Hannakah) will miss chatting with Liz over the phone, she encouraged me so much in my journey as a wife and mother and I was humbled and encouraged with her constant prayers for our family. Russell we send our love and prayers to you and your family during this time, and we pray that God’s comfort and peace be with you all. Psalm 34:18a ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..’ Psalm 46:1a ‘God is our refuge and strength..’ Much love from the Marsh family.
Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe on His gentle breast
There by HIs love o’ershaded
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me
Over the fields of glory
Over the jasper sea.
Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe on His gentle breast
There by His love o’ershaded
Sweetly my soul shall rest
Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe from corroding care
Safe from the world’s temptations
Sin cannot harm me there
Free from the blight of sorrow
Free from my doubts and fears
Only a few more trials
Only a few more tears.
Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge
Jesus has died for me
Firm on the Rock of Ages
Ever my trust shall be
Here let me wait in patience
Wait till the night is o’er
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore
Russell, Mark and Janita, Lance and Lisa and their families. Your mum was such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Thinking of you all at this time of Liz’ passing. Liz was such a wonderful friend to us and we shall never forget her. May our Lord wrap you in His loving arms and comfort you all.
Edwin and Glenis
I thank God for Liz’s friendship, love, support, prayers, care and humour.
Russell, I will pray for you often.
May you be comforted with the same comfort you have shown to so many others.
I thank God for Liz’s friendship, love, support, prayers, care and humour.
Russell, I will pray for you often.
May you be comforted with the same comfort you have shown to so many others.
A lovely lady who will be missed by many, especially her husband and children. They are in our prayers.
Praying for you all at this very sad time,
Russell our thoughts and prayers go out for you at this difficult time, also for the boys and families. May our loving Heavenly Father be your comfort and strength through the coming days
Thinking of you all as you farewell an incredible person. I had the pleasure of working alongside Liz at Cranford Hospice for many years. Liz didn’t just talk about love and compassion- she lived those values every day. She leaves a legacy through everyone she cared for along the way.
I am so very sorry to hear of Liz’s passing, Russell. It was a shock and I’m truly sorry I did not get chance to meet her, I pray for God’s comforting Hand and guidance for you and all the families as you go thru the next days, weeks and months and even years ahead, without her.
With very much love
Carol Lewis
Aunty Liz, what a lovely, kind and gentle woman you were. I will always remember your laugh, as a family we are always laughing about something silly. As gentle as you were, you were also one of the tough ones – dealing with the cheek of your husband and those boys of yours was no easy job!
Sending all the love and strength in the world to you Uncle Russel, and the rest of the family, as you navigate this heartbreaking journey.
I will miss you Aunty Liz, may you rest in peace – say Hi to Nana and Grandad for me xx
Lizzie, our most precious friend. We shall never forget the wonderful times we have had together while farming, playing golf, holidaying, while you and Russell pastored, camps and many more things. Your life was so so busy but we know you got your strength from God. We shall so miss dear Lizzie and so will Russell and the boys. Liz you were such a caring and loving person with a heart of gold. No more pain and suffering now and safe in the arms of Jesus. To Russell and family. We are thinking of you and know that God will hold you and comfort you all in His loving arms.
To Russell and family so sorry to hear the passing of Liz I always had fond memories of her when living down TeOhaki road I know she will be sadly missed.
Sending the whole family, especially Russell, very much love. May the peace of God flood your hearts as you grieve the physical presence of the one you loved so much.
I’ve let the ones who worked with Liz at Cranford Hospice know and maybe some will travel up. She showed the love of Jesus to everyone as she worked with people who were facing the last days of their earthly journey.
Liz is known among the staff as a Cranford Treasure.
Lizzie. A person who I always considered and treated as my sister. She was a person who was so easy to love by so many. She had the most amazing heart and she gave so much to us as a family. We all laughed a lot and also cried at times too and never stopped loving her like the sister she was. Gentle. Sincere. So loyal and gracious.
Lizzie the void you have left is massive but we all know you are with the Lord who you never failed to worship, serve and love.
I’m so proud to have had you as my sister in law and to say thank you for standing by our brother throughout all these years.
You are so loved. Words just don’t really cut it.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV
[13] Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. [14] For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
We have known Liz since 2008, Liz and Russell has been Soo supportive to the work of God in Lungala -village both through prayer and financially. You have been Such a great encouragement to us and the people here but even when we grieve about her going to be with the Lord we know we will see her again. Liz has been a great servant of God and we will miss her so much. We pray that God will comfort you Pr. Russell and the children.
Sometimes we always had a devotion zoom meeting with pastor Russell. Such times Elizabeth came to say hello to us. It was always encouraging whenever she would ask us how we were in UGANDA and our church. Her and pastor Russell, prayerfully and financially supporting this church.
We will forever miss you Elizabeth 🙂↕️
Tumwesigye Alex
And
TUMUKWASIBWE Simon (From Africa/ UGANDA)
Our love & prayers are for you all
We are reeling from the shock of losing Liz so suddenly. It is hard to put into words the depth of our sadness, because she was someone whose presence brought comfort, steadiness, and kindness wherever she went.
Liz will be remembered deeply by our family. During Mum’s final days, she stood beside us with a level of compassion that spoke volumes about who she was. At a time when most people would have been focused on their own worries and responsibilities, Liz put her own family’s needs second to care for ours. She did it quietly, without fuss, and with a love that felt both unwavering and instinctive.
That selflessness wasn’t a single act—it was who she was at her core. She gave her time, her energy, and her heart without ever expecting anything in return. Her kindness left an imprint on us that we will carry for the rest of our lives.
Losing her is painful, but remembering her is easy. We will hold onto the warmth she brought into our lives, the strength she showed in difficult moments, and the love she shared so generously. Liz’s legacy is one of compassion, loyalty, and a heart that always seemed to have room for one more person to care for.
We are so grateful for her, and we will miss her deeply. Sending all our Aroha to you Russell and family.
Russell and Liz were our kiwi parents,my name is Subin Jacob Cherian and iam from India and my wife Yujeong Lee is from South Korea.We have known Russell and Liz from 2017 and we were treated with love and care which a parent shows towards their kids.We spent lot of time in which there are lot of memories.Liz was very caring and compassionate and we cant forget her hospitality especially when we visits them in their house where we are showered with great tasty food.We celebrated my birthday with my kiwi parents few times and one time I remember they took us out to a great restaurant in Hamilton city.Liz is always in our heart and she will be dearly missed.We pray for Russell,Mark,Lance and their family.God is in control.God bless
Aww Russell, what a shock to hear of Liz’s passing. Thinking of you and the family as you prepare to celebrate a life well lived. Her sense of fun is our greatest memory of her. B & H
Dear Russell, Mark and Janita and Families,
So sorry for your loss.
We hope you all find comfort with all the love and support surrounding you all at this difficult time.
You will all be in our thoughts now and in weeks and months to come.
Much love Chris and Bronwyn Burnell xxx
Dear Russell and family
We were so sad to hear of Liz’s passing and we want you all to know that we are thinking of you and praying that you will be assured of our Heavenly Father’s presence, peace, care, love and grace at this time.
Liz was a very faithful lady and leaves a wonderful legacy of being a true godly servant of her Lord and Saviour. She was an incredibly supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and was loved and respected by all who knew her.
What a beautiful truth to know that Liz is now safe in the arms of Jesus, the One she loved and trusted.
We send you our condolences and our love.
May the Lord comfort you all right now and in the days ahead.
Brian and Lois Morton
Dear Russell & family, What a blessing it was to partner in life and ministry together with you and Liz, from the end of 1992 as we went to TMS and then in pastoral ministry in Hawkes Bay until we moved back to Rotorua in 2013. Liz was a precious friend and example in ministry. Her steadfast love for the Lord and support of you Russell and all the work of hospitlity and the role of a faithful pastor’s wife, was an example and blessing to us and the whole church. May you all know the very real comfort of the Holy Spirit and the joy of knowing that our reunion in Glory will be all for the honour of His name as we together worship in perfect accord. 1 Thes. 4:13-18.
Dear Russell & family, What a blessing it was to partner in life and ministry together with you and Liz, from the end of 1992 as we went to TMS and then in pastoral ministry in Hawkes Bay until we moved back to Rotorua in 2013. Liz was a precious friend and example in ministry. Her steadfast love for the Lord and support of you Russell and all the work of hospitlity and the role of a faithful pastor’s wife, was an example and blessing to us and the whole church. May you all know the very real comfort of the Holy Spirit and the joy of knowing that our reunion in Glory will be all for the honour of His name as we together worship in perfect accord. 1 Thes. 4:13-18.
Deepest sympathy for the family, praying for you all during this time of mourning. Much love to you Russell + family.
Saddened to hear of Liz’s passing. Love and sympathy to all the family