Elizabeth Ann Schlechty, 78, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home. Funeral service were held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, followed by interment at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian.  Memorial contributions can be given to the BCMH Auxiliary. A full obituary will be posted when it is available.

Elizabeth Ann Schlechty was born on August 31, 1947, to Loren Winchester and Wilma (Frakes) Winchester in Elmhurst, IL. Her family moved to Atchison, KS, where she spent her childhood and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1965. The following fall, 1966, she attended the Nursing Program at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City for the next three years. She worked as a nurse at several local hospitals, including Bethany Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Park Lane Hospital, Cass Regional Hospital, and Bates County Memorial Hospital. 

Liz married James "Bo" White in 1970, and to this union, her daughter Jeri was born. She later married William J. Collins and remained married until his passing in 1990. She then married James O. Schlechty and remained married to him until he passed away in 2019. She loved her family dearly and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her two great-grandbabies due in February. Liz was active with volunteering. 

Upon retirement, she volunteered at the Information Desk at Bates County Memorial Hospital for 11 years. She was a member of the sewing club that made various items for the patients at BCMH. She was an active member of Adrian Christian Church, volunteering in many areas, including providing snacks for the youth group, meals for families, helping serve at various luncheons, and being a greeter on Sunday mornings. She loved people and loved serving others. Liz was into everything. She loved stamping, scrapbooking, crocheting, gardening, cooking, and playing the violin. A member of the Red Hat Society, Eastern Star, and Wednesday Dominoes club. 

Elizabeth Ann Schlechty is preceded in death by her parents and husbands. She is survived by children: Jeri (Johnny) Clark of Adrian, MO,, Tammy (Boone) Bunn of Ashland, OH, Kelly (Jerry) Fortney of Ashland, OH, and Jeremy Schlechty and significant other Lil Pound of Ashland OH; granchildren: Skyler White, Garrett Hester, Ashley Brown, Lisa Brown, Logan Schlechty, Matthew Bunn, Andrew Baldner, Johnny Clark, and Shelby Clark; 4 great-grandchildren; and brother David Winchester.