Elizabeth Ann Kauffman

Obituary

Elizabeth (Liz) Ann (Hiebert) Kauffman, age 89, passed away on August 26, 2026 at the Hallmark Nursing Center. A Celebration of Life is planned for November 7, 2026 at 1 PM at Mosaic church located at 12472 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, CO 80127. We had decided some years ago to donate our bodies to science. Liz had requested that her ashes be scattered on Mount Blue Sky when they became available.

Liz was born on December 13, 1936 in Okeene, Oklahoma to Herman and Elsie Hiebert. Being the daughter of a pastor, Liz spent her growing up years in several different towns in Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas and finally back to Hillsboro Kansas for her high school and college days.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas and her Master’s degree from Colorado State College in Greeley Colorado. Liz’s second major at Tabor was English. As a result, she did a lot of writing. Here is her story in her own words:

Hillsboro is my home town - a small town in mid Kansas. Daddy built us a house there - one block from Tabor College. In that house one October day when I was 8 years old I remember sitting on a bed looking at myself in a dresser mirror and thinking, “I’m not going to look at myself again till I’m a Christian!” - not a spur of the moment decision. I’d tho’t about it for some time - passed up opportunities. So I called my dear Mom - don’t remember all the details but I do remember the joy! It was an important milestone. That awareness of God with me - caring, listening - has been my anchor in the ups and downs of life.
I graduated from Hillsboro Grade School, High School and Tabor College - 4 good growing years - then went back and taught in the Grade School. I’d decided in 1st Grade that I’d be a teacher. I taught 4th grade - my favorite kids.
The next summer I ended up in California at a camp for handicapped kids. There I met Laurie Kauffman from Indiana - also teaching in her home town. The next year we cased out teaching locations - followed them up the next summer - long story short - that’s how we ended up in Colorado - she married my friend, Allen Kliewer and I married her brother, Richard Kauffman.
Thank God for that camp in California - I’d wanted to go to New York. We really enjoyed having Allen and Laurie as our family out here. Then in 1998 Laurie moved to heaven. But thru some rather amazing circumstances dear Arlene arrived and family continues.
Kids continued to be a big part of my life both in public school and church. Then in 1976 our lives changed with a phone call - Nathan - 2 1/2 weeks old was ours! Four years later we adopted Kara - a long wait! From Nathan, “When is Baby Sister going to come - we want she!” Throwing toys into her bed, “She might like this, she might!” Their first and middle names together each mean “Beloved Gift of God”
Now being a Wife, Mom, and Grandma to Cadence, Isaiah and Mia is who I am. Prayers of giving myself and these precious people to God are a part of each day.
And here is another prayer. Psalm 25:4&5. David’s prayer really connects with me.

“SHOW me your ways, O LORD,
TEACH me your paths.
GUIDE me in your TRUTH and TEACH me
For you are GOD my SAVIOR
And my HOPE is in you ALL DAY LONG
Psalms 25:4-5 NIV

Liz spoke only German until she was four years old. Her parents said her favorite word was “warum” which is “why” in English. She has always been very curious and questioning about everything and as a result did a lot of reading which led to many interesting discussions. A portion of her personality was childlike—this helped her relate to young children with puppets and stuffed animals. She enjoyed adventure and travel which included four trips to Europe, several loop trips through midwest and eastern states visiting friends and relatives, and up the west coast.

She was preceded in death by her son Nathan (October 30, 2025) and her parents. She is survived by her husband Richard, her brother Harold (Boni Johnson) Hiebert, sister Esther Hiebert, daughter Kara Moore, daughter-in-law Melissa Kauffman and three grandchildren, Cadence Kauffman, Isaiah Moore, and Mia Moore.
Memorials should be directed to Tabor College in honor of Elizabeth Kauffman at 400 South Jefferson St., Hillsboro KS 67063

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Elizabeth Kauffman