Elizabeth Lyn Rieke

Elizabeth L. (Liz) Rieke, 74, of San Mateo, California passed away June 6, 2020. She was born and raised in Atwood, Kansas to the late Charles and Elizabeth A. (Heble) Rieke. She was the oldest of the 7 Rieke children. It was during her early years in Atwood Kansas that Liz would develop a passion for design and travel. At age 10 Liz worked for a family neighbor who shared her many travels around the world, sparking those passions that would last a lifetime. Liz attended Atwood High School, graduating in 1963. Her pride and joy from those years was designing and executing the theme for the Senior Prom. It was the beginning of her creative talent that she honed throughout her life. After graduating she moved to Kansas City where she worked for AT&T as a computer tech on mainframe computers. In 1971 she moved to San Francisco to begin her 27-year career at United Airlines. While working at United Airlines, Liz attended and graduated from USF with a B.S. in Information Systems. Her career at United Airlines culminated in her final position as Applications Development Manager/Consultant. Like many San Francisco couples, Liz met her husband Fred at the Balboa Café. They married in 1982. The Balboa Café and, San Francisco in general, remained very special places. Daughter Kait arrived in 1989. While continuing to work at United Airlines, Liz found time to serve as a room mother, be an active member of the Parents Association and tried to never miss a field trip. She loved her close neighborhood and valued her friendships. She joyfully celebrated those around her and their milestones and accomplishments. Upon retiring from United, she started her third career and her own business "It's About Time," a business designed to help organize anything in home, office or garden. This successful business spoke to all of her skills and passions. For the last decade, Liz poured her energy and love into LymeLight Foundation- her fourth and final career. She became passionate about the awareness, prevention, and treatment of Lyme disease. As Foundation Coordinator, Liz flourished in the day to day details and became a major influence and contributing force in the success of the annual Dart for Art fundraising event. The event draws nearly 500 people annually. This year alone, she helped procure over 240 pieces of donated art. She built lasting relationships with the artists and the patrons who attend the event. Liz had more energy and zest for life than any two people put together. She never found a job, a garden, a social affair or a family that she couldn't organize. Liz adored her family and was happiest when surrounded by family members. She traveled whenever she could and instigated many antiquing trips for all the ladies in her family. She loved her "Texas Boot Camp" which consisted of working on her brother's property at the lake in Texas. Her siblings call Liz the energy and lifeblood of the family. Liz will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, an ability to laugh at herself, a genuine caring about those around her and the ability not let life get her down. She was deeply loyal and thoughtful. She always knew how to handle delicate business and social matters with class and appropriate etiquette. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Roberta Ahrens. She is survived by her husband of 38 years Fred McDaniel, daughter Kait (Brant) Hill and granddaughter Amelia Mae of Flagstaff Arizona. Also surviving are her sisters Charlotte (Brian) Lander and Louise Rieke, brothers Gregory (Barbara) Rieke, John Rieke, and Kurt (Terri) Rieke, nephews Chad (Brenda) Lander, Brady Lander, Chris (Rachel) Rieke, Perry Rieke, nieces Elizabeth (Jonathan) Kirby, Jessica Ahrens, and Taylor Rieke, Great nephews Grant Lander, Oliver and Elliott Kirby, great nieces Tori and Carly Lander. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Liz's honor to LymeLight Foundation, 1229 Burlingame Avenue, Suite 205, Burlingame, CA 94010 https://bit.ly/2AlJ6rK