Austin, Texas
Elizabeth H. “Liz” Scherschel, 77, passed away on September 5, 2016, at Christopher House Hospice in Austin, Texas.
Liz was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, the daughter of Joseph and Ruth Peterson Harris. After completing high school in rural South Dakota, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Her tour of duty took her to Washington, D.C., where she served in program administration. Upon completing her tour, she joined the staff of the National Geographic Society at its Washington headquarters. There she met Joseph J. “Joe” Scherschel, a renowned professional photographer. After their marriage, they moved to Flint Hill, Virginia, where they raised their family. Liz cultivated a garden and became skilled as a seamstress, often making dresses for her young daughters. As a hobby or part-time work, Liz became skilled in retouching photos, bringing to life many family histories through pictures. Together, Liz and Joe were consummate hosts, entertaining many friends and associates who loved escaping from Washington to spend the weekend at their Virginia farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Liz and the children frequently traveled with Joe on assignment for National Geographic in various places around the world. Later Liz returned to college at Mary Baldwin University, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. After earning her degree, Liz worked providing elder/hospice care in Virginia. To better serve the many medical needs of those in her care, Liz again returned to college, adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University to her credentials.
Following Joe’s retirement from National Geographic, they moved to Columbus, Indiana, in 1989, where Liz continued to work in elder/hospice care.
Liz was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years and her brother, Robert Harris of Tracy, California.
She is survived by daughters, Jennifer Scherschel (Erik Eaton) of Flint Hill, Virginia, and Elizabeth Shaw (Harry) of Lakeway, Texas; five grandchildren, Erin, Elliott, Harrison, Lauren and Logan; sisters, Rose Edwards of Woonsocket, South Dakota, Kathleen Zimmerman of Forestburg, South Dakota, Pauline Lee of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mercedes Shaver (James) of Lansing, Michigan, Winifred Hoots of Prescott, Arizona, Margaret Rye of Riverside, California, Monica Toman of Buena Park, California; and brothers, Richard Harris (Cynthia) of Longwood, Florida, Karel Toman (Leslie) of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Michael Toman (Darla) of Bellflower, California.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2016, at the Inn at Irwin Gardens, 608 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN 47201.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to your local hospice.
