Community Interest

 

Dear Friends in New Melle,

It was sad news when I had heard of the passing of Liz back in February. Some of my fondest memories of my time in New Melle were at Liz’s.

Liz was a wonderful and one-of-a-kind neighbor and Liz’s was an unique place. I had my first meal in New Melle at Liz's back on December 27th of 2011. Little did I know how much time I would be spending at Liz’s and how fond I would grow of her bar & grill.

Over the years I was able to meet many of the notables of New Melle at Liz’s. Many of my good friends that I made in New Melle began at Liz’s. After church, it was the place where I met more people in our community than anywhere else. The Smokehaus is a close third, but the morning coffee group was a smaller and more consistent group of patrons. Some of the best memories of my life are in New Melle. I love where God has planted me in my current chapter of life and ministry, but I have nothing but gratitude for my years spent with you.

Liz was unique. She was one of the most genuine people that you could meet. What you see is what you get. Liz had a ready laugh, an unforgettable smile and immense pride in her work and establishment. She didn’t tolerate certain language at her place, and if you were prone to complain she was content to see you go somewhere else. While Liz appreciated customer satisfaction, she wasn’t always about customer service. I say that with love to her. Liz was Liz, take her or leave her.

Her friendship will be missed. I was fortunate not only to sit on her front porch, but she let me help bus tables from time to time and tend to the empty bottles on the tables or the bar. I had many Sunday nights sitting on her back porch watching traffic and talking about the life of our community.  Lizs’ was the home of the New Melle good-bye – “one more beer.” I pray for my dear friend and think of her often when I have a beer or long for one of her ½ pound burgers.  

Fr. Tom Miller