Elizabeth “Liz” (Sharp) Stratton

Elizabeth “Liz” (Sharp) Stratton

Iowa City

Elizabeth “Liz” (Sharp) Stratton, 86, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Iowa City, on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, from pancreatic cancer. Per her wishes she was cremated and there will be no services.

Liz was born January 28, 1938, in New York City, New York, the daughter of Huntington and Helen Sharp (Tomlinson). She grew up in Moline, Illinois, where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1959. She met her future husband, John, while attending the University and they were married on September 1, 1957.

After graduation she taught fourth grade in Urbana, Illinois, for two years and was a split fifth-sixth grade science teacher in Peoria, Illinois. In Iowa City, she worked as a substitute teacher at every level. Later she worked as a secretary at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, then the Dean of Liberal Arts Office and finally at the Labor Center. She retired in 2000. Liz was active in her community. She was a Girl Scout leader from 1968 to 1975 and was awarded the highest award given to volunteers, the Thanks Badge. This was for editing the Nature Security Blanket, which was printed and distributed to every Girl Scout Troop in the Cardinal Council of Girl Scouts.

As a Mercy Hospital volunteer and Life Guild Member she worked at the information desk Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons for 17 years. She also worked 5 years Thursday mornings and alternate Saturday mornings doing assorted tasks for the Community Relations Department. Liz served in the Guild presidential track 2008-2013.

Liz was an avid gardener and donated many plants through the years to PROJECT GREEN for its annual sale. She was a founding member of the Harshbarger Hosta Society and wrote the Society’s Newsletter for several years. She served as co-chair when the American Hosta Society held their 1993 convention in Ceder Rapids, and when the Midwest Regional Hosta Society held their 2000 convention in Iowa City. Liz also served a term as president of the Harshbarger Hosta Society. Liz worked with the American Friends Service Committee (AFS) and with her family hosted three exchange students (1980 – 1983). Liz enjoyed reading, bird watching and traveling.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Stratton; two daughters, Ellen D. Evans (Matt) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Margaret S. Cantu (David) of Chino Valley, Arizona; a younger brother, Huntington D. Sharp (Carol) of Sanoma, California; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Liz was preceded in death by her parents.

Liz was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorial gifts should be directed to a cancer organization of the donors choosing.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.iowacremation.com.