Elizabeth Ann Van Buskirk

Elizabeth Ann (Gregory) Van Buskirk, 50, of Independence, MO, died at her home on June 18, 2016. She was born August 3, 1965 in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Ruth (Wren) Goodpaster and Billie Don Gregory. Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Carl Van Buskirk of the home; her mother, Ruth (Wren) Goodpaster of Pittsburg, KS; her two sisters, Amber Goodpaster Tauscher and her husband Paul of Scottsdale, AZ, and Ann (Gregory) Schrock and her husband Clifford and their sons, Shawn and Brian of Harrisonville, MO; along with several aunts, one uncle and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Billie Don Gregory, her step-father, R. Dwight Goodpaster, and her step-mother, JoAnn (Grimsley) Gregory. Elizabeth loved books, music, traveling, animals including her two cats, Bunny and Cosmo, and relished watching her two nephews Shawn and Brian grow into young men. She was a member of the Community of Christ church and her faith in God’s plan for her life was strong. She relied on the prayers and concern of others to get her through – in her words – her Unexpected Journey. After graduating from Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, Elizabeth continued her studies at The University of St. Louis in Madrid, Spain. While visiting Greece during that time, she fell in love with the Greek culture, people and lifestyle. Returning home Elizabeth soon found herself selling her belongings, packing her bags and moving to Athens, Greece where she lived for the next 17 years. During those 17 years she traveled the world where she met and made life-long friends. A few years after returning to the States, she met Carl Van Buskirk - the love of her life. They were married on November 2, 2013. Elizabeth delighted in being a wife, being involved in Carl’s life and establishing a home together. During her illness, Carl was Elizabeth’s primary caretaker and lovingly devoted his entire life to caring for her. At the time of her death, Elizabeth was writing a book for cervical cancer patients as she found information lacking in that area with most research funds going to other types of cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/). Services private. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held at a later date.

Elizabeth Ann Van Buskirk

August 3, 1965 - June 18, 2016