Elizabeth Lynn Beshaler Romano passed away bravely and peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was surrounded by her children, whose love for her could only be matched by the very love she poured into them every day.

Elizabeth will be deeply missed by her children: Ellen, Nick, Anna, Emma, and Izzy, her grandchildren: Elijah and Merritt, and her siblings: John, Rick, Jeanne, Joan, Anne, and Mary, along with so many other friends and family. The pain from this profound loss is eased knowing that Elizabeth has made her long-awaited reunion with her brother Michael, beloved husband Tony, her loving parents Charles and Ellen, and her cherished nephews Ryan and Jason.

Born on March 28, 1963, in the small town of Arnold, Nebraska, Elizabeth filled every moment she could with love, joy, and kindness. Elizabeth was a mother, wife, sister, aunt, teacher, and perhaps most of all, a friend. In every role, she demonstrated her incredible ability to make every person feel seen and valued. Elizabeth had a love for life that was contagious, caught simply by her smile… or maybe her dance moves. To all those who knew her, she seemed to lack the capacity for malice or hate. Rather, she fiercely stood against those who sought to divide us. She enriched the lives of everyone lucky enough to have known her.

The light that Elizabeth’s life brought to us all defied the darkness that tried and failed to extinguish it. Her life was not defined by the disease that stole it, instead, her resilience reminded everyone around her of the courage, toughness, and selflessness that was the foundation upon which she was able to spread so much joy and happiness to others.

Right now, the hole in our hearts feels too vast and cavernous to ever feel whole again, but Elizabeth has already shown us how she wants us to move forward. Sadness and pain are a part of life, but we can fill the in-between space with as much love and kindness as we choose. We will miss her forever, and we will honor her by living life like she did.

The funeral will be held at her long-time parish, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO, on Friday, January 23, 2026, beginning at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Operation Breakthrough of Kansas City, PO Box 412482, Kansas City, MO 64141, or Kansas City Hospice House, 9001 Stateline Rd., Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114. Condolences may be expressed to the family below.