Elizabeth Anne Schilling, of Newark, Ohio, passed away on December 21, 2021, surrounded by many of the people
who love her. Born on December 22, 1992, in Huntington, Indiana, Elizabeth is the daughter of Brian Schilling (North
Manchester) and Heather (White) Schilling (North Manchester).
In 2014, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Elizabeth (Liz) adopted the mantra “She stood in the storm, and
when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” She used her journey with brain cancer to teach us what it
means to live a life fully present. Elizabeth’s message continues to reach people around the world, and her story
inspires us to adjust our sails despite the challenges life offers.
Elizabeth graduated from Manchester Junior Senior High School in 2011 where she was an active member of the choir
and theater programs, volleyball, and track. For seven years, Elizabeth swam competitively for both Manchester
Aquatic Club (MAC) and Manchester High School. She was also a member of the Terri Eckert School of Dance. Her
passion for dance and theater led to countless stage performances. Elizabeth also loved her involvement in the
Manchester Church of the Brethren where she developed close, cross-generational friendships. She was also a ten year
member of the Wabash County Chester Champs 4H club, showing livestock and completing numerous projects.
As a student at Denison University, Elizabeth was a member of the Delta Gamma fraternity, where she continued to
develop her leadership skills, spearheading the Anchor Splash, the group’s annual fundraising event for Service for
Sight. In 2015, after earning her degree in economics, Elizabeth joined Park National Bank in Newark, Ohio, where
she enjoyed her professional career. It was at Park National Bank where Elizabeth met her fiancé, William Elliott
Harris (Newark, OH). The two of them made a home in Newark with their rescue Boxer, Penny.
Elizabeth was passionate about service, especially for the American Brain Tumor Association. Over the last several
years, Elizabeth served on the ABTA’s Columbus Ohio 5K planning committee, and since 2014, her 5K team, Liz’s
Unexpected Journey, has raised nearly $38,000 for the organization.
Friends and family will continue to celebrate Elizabeth’s passionate spirit, beautiful laugh, kind heart, demanding love,
and her selflessness. Her impact on the world will forever be cherished by both of her parents; her brother, Lucas
Schilling (Indianapolis); her maternal grandfather, Allan White (North Manchester); maternal grandmother and step-
grandfather, Kathy and Rich Ackley (Columbia City); paternal grandmother, Margaret Schilling (North Manchester);
maternal uncle, Jeremy (Jenni) White (Muncie); maternal aunt, Laurel (Gianni) Yahi (Fort Wayne); paternal uncle,
Rodney (Janet) Schilling (North Manchester); and a close group of cousins in North Manchester and Fort Wayne.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Glen Schilling.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the Manchester Church of the
Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A
special sweets bar will be available afterward to honor the memory of Elizabeth.
For those wishing to honor the memory of Elizabeth Schilling, memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor
Association https://give.abta.org/team/396855 or Strauss-Peabody Aquatic and Fitness Facility c/o The Community
Foundation of Wabash County, 220 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Elizabeth Schilling has entrusted McKee Mortuary with her care and final arrangements.