Posted 11:29 PM by Susan Darst Williams

MOURNING THE LOSS OF A WARRIOR FOR EDUCATION:
LIZ KARNES DIES OF CANCER AFTER A LONG BATTLE

Omahan Liz Karnes, longtime school board member for the Westside Community Schools, has died of ovarian cancer after dealing heroically with the disease and its consequences for more than a dozen years. She held an Ed.D. degree in educational administration and worked in a variety of educational jobs and public service posts.

Throughout her life, she did as much as any Nebraskan in history to inspire people, improve education and encourage children. Wife of attorney David Karnes, the former U.S. senator, and mother of four grown daughters, Mrs. Karnes' one wish upon diagnosis of cancer in 1991 was that she live long enough to see her girls grow up. Observers said it was remarkable that she survived so long and did so much, sharing her charismatic personality and keen intelligence whole-heartedly and with distinction.

Rest in peace, friend of children, inspiration to many, and most of all, child of God.