Elizabeth Ann Kobe

Liz was born on March 3, 1940 to Eugene and Helen Johnson in Galesburg, Illinois. Liz graduated from the University of Michigan with an undergrad in education and a master’s in education administration. There, she met her first husband, Roger Cromwell with whom she had two children, Barrett and Kathy. Roger and Liz remained lifelong friends to the relief and admiration of their children.

Liz spent her career at Wayne Westland Community School District as both a teacher and administrator. She was especially passionate about Special Education and used her knowledge and dedication to help students and families navigate their personalized educational path.

Liz was known for her warm soul, keen intelligence and vivacious sense of humor. People naturally gravitated toward her. In her personal and work life, she created many lifelong friends too numerous to name.

In 1982, Liz married Raymond Kobe. Life with Ray brought many adventures. Travel took them to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. One highlight was traveling to Paris on the Concorde and sailing back to the U.S. on Queen Elizabeth 2. Always enjoying their home state, the couple purchased a second home in Northern Michigan where they enjoyed long walks and watching the sun set over the lake.

In retirement, Liz continued her service in education by consulting for Head Start. She also became a grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren baking cookies, making her famous chocolate sauce, and playing games—she was a fierce competitor and took no prisoners.

Liz was gifted with a green thumb. The blooms enriched her properties in West Bloomfield and Torch Lake. She enjoyed volunteering at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills. She was known for making a mean pancake at their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.

Liz and Ray moved to Phoenix in 2019 and settled into a retirement community where Liz continued to enrich the lives of others. She quickly formed friendships, including with other Michigan fans (Go Blue!), and enjoyed participation in bible study and a breakfast club.

Liz is survived by her husband, Raymond Kobe; son, Barrett Cromwell and daughter, Kathy Cromwell Tuszynski (Ron); grandchildren, Chase Cromwell; Will, Blake and Danny Tuszynski; stepchildren, Anne Mobley (Gary), Beth Kobe, Colleen Kobe, Denise Yancey (Alvie), Tim Kobe, and Heidi DePlaunty (Rick), as well as 12 step-grandchildren.

Liz is predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Helen and her brother, Gene Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1 at 10: 30 a.m. Esperanza Lutheran Church (Ahwatukee) and 11:45 a.m. reception at Clearwater Ahwatukee.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Johnson Nature Center (johnsonnaturecenter.org) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nationalcremation.com/location/phoenix for the Kobe family.