Westgerdes, Sister Liz (aka Sister Elizabeth Jane), 89, died at St. Leonard on March 30, 2026, in Centerville, Ohio.

She was born July 1936 in St. Henry, Ohio, and entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, in 1957, receiving the religious name Sister Mary Stephen Ann.

For 69 years, she faithfully served God, His people, and the Congregation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Salem Heights Chapel, 4960 Salem Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, on April 7, 2026, with burial following in the Maria Anna Brunner Memorial Garden.

Visitation begins in Chapel at 9:00 a.m. with Sharing of Memories at 10:00 followed by the Funeral Liturgy at 10:30.

Sister Liz was the daughter of Edward and Helen (Wenz) Westgerdes. She was a teacher for almost 15 years, first serving in Phoenix and then in Ohio in Dayton, North College Hill (Cincinnati), Cleveland, and Ottawa. Sister Liz then began a ministry of over 40 years in Ohio parishes, serving as a Religious Education Coordinator at St. Mary Parish in Van Wert, Immaculate Conception Parish in Ottoville, and St. Michael Parish in Findlay; as a Director of Religious Education and Pastoral Associate at St. Mary Parish in Leipsic; as a Pastoral Associate at Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Ottawa; and in part-time ministry at Holy Trinity Parish in Coldwater. Sister Liz retired in 2015 to Salem Heights, where she enjoyed prayer, reading, puzzles and going on walks.

Sister Liz joins her parents and siblings Ed and Lucille Westgerdes, John and Virginia Westgerdes, Bob and Norma Westgerdes, Ray and Rita Westgerdes, Mary Ann and Bernard Sampson, and Vincent Westgerdes in heaven.

She is survived by her Precious Blood Community of Sisters, many nieces and nephews, friends, former students, and colleagues.

Her quiet, prayerful spirit will be missed. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com.