On December 18, 2008 Liz Laxalt passed into the arms of God surrounded by her devoted family. Liz was born in Iowa Falls Iowa on August 17, 1935 to Rolland D. Bywater and Mildred G. Bywater. Her family relocated to Des Moines, Iowa where she grew up and graduated from North High School. Shortly thereafter, Liz married Karl S. Hall and they moved to Southern California where she was a homemaker and did some modeling. She and her children moved to Nevada in 1960 where she made her home for many years. She met and married her beloved husband, Peter D. Laxalt while living in Carson City. She was married to Peter for over 30 years. She is survived by her loving children Brandi L. and Karl S. Hall, Karl's wife Ann, Suzan D. and Charles J. Laxalt; her step-children Megan Mackay, Stephen, Paul and Rick Laxalt. She is survived by her two sisters Roberta "Robbie" Edwards of Reno, Barbara O'Leary of Virginia Beach, Va. and her step-brother Bill "Sandy" Meade. Liz cherished her grandchildren, Joshua and Heather Ackerman, Karl S. "Dru", Ted and Blair Hall, Erin Jensen, Michelle and Brandon, Michelle and Peter, Laura, Jessie and Michael Laxalt. Numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and two great grandnephews also survive Liz.
Liz was an extremely savvy businesswoman. She was a "self made" entrepreneur and over the years became a very accomplished realtor. Her first business was a Child Care Nursery she named the "Paddy-Wack" Nursery where she cared for many children both day and night. After selling the child care facility she began to sell real estate in 1975 for Eagle Valley Condo's in Carson City. Liz was very sociable and enjoyed modeling for charity affairs from time to time in Carson City. As a realtor, Liz was a member of the N.A.R. and RSMLS and was the first woman recipient of the prestigious "Million-Dollar Club" award. Liz excelled in all facets of real estate, not only residential, but multi-family and commercial as well. Liz won numerous awards from Realty Executives and was the first woman to hold a gaming license in the State of Nevada. Liz remained a top producer throughout her long and successful real estate career.
Liz was a beautiful woman both inside and out. Each person she met was touched by her wit, sense of humor and infectious laugh. She possessed charm, poise and class. She was blessed with a loving family and many friends throughout the area. Liz loved to spend time with her family, entertain, garden and was an avid reader. She taught us all to embrace challenges and responsibility head on and then to hold our heads high, go on and succeed. There was nothing that Liz set her sights on that she could not accomplish. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her more than words can convey.
Liz's family would like to extend a special thanks to Liz's best friend in the world, Laura B. Wallace. Laura, also known as "Bee", provided Liz with the kind of friendship few people experience. Liz and B shared a mutual knowledge, esteem, affection and respect for each other was there for Liz in times of need.
A Memorial Service will be 1 p.m., Saturday January 17 at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 1070 West Plumb Lane, and Reno. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
The family invites you to share a memory or condolence message in the family guestbook at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home in Reno.