Elizabeth S. Munroe--Liz, Mom, or Grandma to everyone who knew and loved
her--passed peacefully on December 18, 2020 at her home in Olathe, KS. Born
Elizabeth Ann Simpson on September 16, 1942 in Moline, IL to John and Ruth (Lottman)
Simpson, Elizabeth and her younger sister, Cathie, grew up in Silvis, Illinois.
She was active in girl scouts, activities at the Silvis First United Methodist
Church, and especially music, learning to play piano, organ, and clarinet. She
and Cathie would accompany each other at various high school festivals and
contests. After graduating from United Township High School in 1960, she
attended the University of Kansas as a music education major, where she met and
married fellow music major Richard Munroe on January 20, 1963. After graduating
from KU, they made their home in Olathe, KS for over 50 years.
Mrs. Munroe spent her entire 43-year teaching career at Gardner Elementary
School in Gardner, KS. Elizabeth started her career in music, followed by
special education, where she earned a Master’s Degree; she then earned her
certification in computer science education. Outside the classroom, Elizabeth
was instrumental in developing and implementing professional development
curricula for the Gardner-Edgerton School District, and served for many years on
the National Council for the Certification of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Professional work and achievements were only a small part of Elizabeth’s life.
Mom to three daughters, Melissa, Chandra, and Andrea, she and Richard were very
active—and busy—parents keeping up with all of their activities. From directing
the children’s Cherub Choir at the Olathe First United Methodist Church with
Richard, to being her daughters’ accompanist, serving as project leader for
Little Cedar 4-H Club, and musician for the Olathe Bethel of Job’s Daughters and
Olathe Chapter of Eastern Star, there was rarely a dull moment in Elizabeth’s
life. She also thoroughly enjoyed time with friends and family—and she loved
them dearly.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard, of the home, her
daughters Melissa (Bill) Munroe Gipperich of Edmond, OK, Chandra Wacker of
Olathe, KS, and Andrea (John) Fulcher of Wichita, KS, as well as grandchildren
Aaron, Nathan, Lily, and Emma, and her sister, Catherine Strieter of Davenport,
IA. She is preceded in death by an infant sister, Barbara H. Simpson, her
father, John William Simpson, mother, Ruth Florence Simpson (Lottman), and
brother-in-law, David Godehn Strieter.
Celebration of Life will be held at a future date when family and friends can
come together safely after the COVID pandemic has passed. In lieu of flowers,
the family would appreciate donations to Kansas Palliative & Hospice Care
(https://kansashc.com/contact/donate/) or the KU Bands program (https://www.kuendowment.org/Your-Gift/Areas-of-Support/Lawrence-Edwards-Campuses/KU-Bands).