Elizabeth “Liz” Holland, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 5,2022.
Liz had an impressively strong core but a soft, kind exterior. She was classy, spunky and fun loving, and always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude in her heart. A negative word or complaint was never uttered by this incredible Wyoming Woman.
Liz was born May 29, 1930, to Thomas and Elizabeth Hill. She loved her childhood in Buffalo, Wyoming, where she spent a great deal of time on her grandfather’s ranch and exploring the Big Horn Mountains. After completing high school in Buffalo, she attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where she met the love of her life, Ralph Holland. Liz and Ralph shared a love of the outdoors. On weekends, they could be found skiing or hiking with their children.
Liz had numerous accomplishments in her life, — including honing her sharp mind for business and serving her community at New Method Laundry that she operated with her husband, Ralph — but the most important to her was raising her children and loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Grandma Great.” Liz always made sure the family was together on holidays and spent countless hours planning and preparing every detail; she had a special talent for making everyone feel at home.
Liz was a pillar of the Laramie community and a generous philanthropist. She actively participated in many organizations, including St. Mathews Episcopal Church, the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Wyoming Republican Party, Zonta, University of Wyoming Delta Delta Delta, Cowboy Joe Club, the Albany County Library Board and Coe Library Board, as well as many social clubs. Her close friends express what a loyal and wise companion she was.
She believed strongly in democracy and regularly volunteered with election polls and campaigns for Wyoming candidates. She also started a scholarship at UW for young GOP women and was her precinct committeewoman.
Liz is survived by her children Rod Holland (Alison Merrill), Cynthia Holland (DuWayne Zuehlsdorff), Brad Holland (Susie Holland) and Mary Holland (Blake Spellman). Six grandchildren Lindsey Linkow, Kelly Zuehlsdorff, Laurie Zuehlsdorff, Heidi Holland, Christopher Holland, Megan Friedrich and four great-grandchildren.
Liz was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Holland, son Wendell Holland and grandson Nicholas Holland.
Liz will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was ready for her next adventure and faced it with the style and grace that she exhibited all her life. A funeral will be celebrated at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Laramie, Thursday, April 14 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
My family was embraced by Liz and the Holland family when we moved to Laramie over 30 years ago. We were included in holiday celebrations and many happy times at the ranch in Jelm. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Oh my the memories! Liz was a lovely person who I remember way back from my Beitel days in Laramie. Sending condolences and lots of love and hugs to the entire Holland family!
Whatever the Laramie family function, I remember Liz. Always a friendly smile and genuine curiosity. Our parents, that great generation, they built a loving community and inspired us to better. Mary, my condolences to you and your family.
I was so lucky to see Liz several years ago in Jelm. She had a twinkle in her eye that I will always remember. Sending hugs to Mary and all her family.
Liz was one of Laramie's grand ladies. She was always there to lend a helping hand with a smile and a kind word. She will be missed and remembered. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
To the Holland family, Liz was a force of nature - she was always cheerful and was a dynamo when it came to serving the Laramie community. We worked with her on the Ivinson Hospital Foundation Board, and she was remarkable. Her legacy to Laramie will live in perpetuity. How fortunate you all were to have her in your lives, as were we. She will be sorely missed. We have wonderful memories of her!
To the Holland Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope you are comforted by your memories. Ryan Fulton
So very sorry for your loss. Your mother touched so many lives.
Liz was a delightful woman and a wonderful contributor to the Laramie community. My condolences to Rod and the Holland family.
Our sincere condolences to the Liz Holland family. Liz was a fantastic neighbor and always had a smile. We enjoyed giving her harvest from our garden. Chris& Becky Riley
To the Family: I am truly sorry for your loss. She was such a lovely lady and a true friend to the Laramie community. You were truly fortunate to have such a lovely person in your life.
Rod, Cynthia, Brad and Mary, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Liz. She and Ralph were great friends to our family. Liz will be missed by many.