Liz Haines (Goertz) passed away following a short illness on July 19, 2025 at Denver Hospice surrounded by her family.
Born on November 21, 1931 in Hebron, Nebraska to Guy and Rena Chapin, Liz grew up in Falls City, Nebraska and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska during her sophomore year of high school. She later attended Colorado Women's College in Denver.
While in high school, Liz met Sam Goertz. They married, and after Sam's Air Force discharge, they returned to the family farm south of Ogallala. Love found Liz once again following Sam's untimely death when she met and married Carl Haines. Carl's work provided the opportunity to live in many U.S. cities, eventually settling in Ogallala for retirement.
Liz was a loyal community advocate. She was dedicated to her church as a teacher, choir member, and leader of several fellowship groups. She supported education in her community as a member of the school board and a leader of 4-H. Civically minded, she was active in Republican politics, was selected as a member of the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women, and was the president of the Retail Trades Committee. In addition, she was a long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer and a founding supporter of the Keith County Foundation. Liz was a lifetime member of PEO where she held many leadership positions. Continuing her active lifestyle in later years, she led a twice-weekly exercise class at her retirement community and served on the advisory committee for the facility.
An astute businesswoman, Liz purchased and operated Macques Dress Shop in Ogallala, combining a successful business with her life-long love of fashion and her skills as a seamstress. She also oversaw the operation of the Goertz Farm for decades.
Gathering with friends, gardening, bridge club, spending time at the lake, and caring for her many canine companions were just a few of Liz's life-long pursuits, but she was most fiercely passionate about her family.
Liz is survived by her children, Kevin Goertz (Acacia) of Westminster, Colorado, David Goertz of Hotchkiss, Colorado, Chris Goertz of Ogallala, Nebraska, Lisa Goertz of Centennial, Colorado, and Steve Goertz (Kristen) of St. Paul, Minnesota; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Rena Chapin, her brother, Bill Chapin and his wife Peggy, and husbands Sam Goertz and Carl Haines.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. MST at United Church of Christ First Congregational in Ogallala, Nebraska. Services will be officiated by Pastor Lisa Hadler. Liz will be inurned in the Ogallala Cemetery in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Church of Christ First Congregational Church, 21st Century Endowment Fund, or the Keith County Foundation.
Liza was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Condolences may be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com.
Services will be live-streamed and can be watched by going to www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, NE has been entrusted with arrangements.