Elizabeth was born May 20, 1930, to the late Lonnie and Sarah Burton (Hicks) in Grayson, Kentucky as Ruby Elizabeth Burton. She always preferred to be called by Liz and later Elizabeth.

Elizabeth attended Carter City High School and Morehead State College in Kentucky. While at college she met the love of her life, Robert Risner, and they were married January 27, 1951 having sixty six wonderful years together before his passing in 2017. Faith was paramount to them both. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church during her life. Their marriage, love and spirituality was their greatest legacy.

Upon moving to Central Ohio, it wasn't long before Robert and Elizabeth started a family and proceeded building their lifelong home in Reynoldsburg. Her career was at DCSC, Whitehall, Ohio, where she worked in the cataloging division, retiring after 30 years as a Section Chief.

Motor homing was a favorite activity for both of them. Besides joining Good Sam's Club and taking many local trips, they traveled the west and southwest extensively. They also became snowbirds and resided in San Juan, Texas for many years.

Elizabeth delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; loved cats and dogs, and was especially partial to pink flowers. Her family will miss her famous candied yams at every Thanksgiving.

Elizabeth is survived by her only child, Linda (Bill) Cody; grandchildren, Lee Cody, Erin (Drew) Bidwell, and Jane (Brad) Schimmoller. She also loved and adored her four great-grandchildren, Lexi and Scott Schimmoller, and Caroline and Hazel Bidwell. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Kathleen Helm; and many nephews and nieces.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was proceeded in death by her siblings, Paulina Edwards, Cara Waggonner, Lonnie Burton Jr, and Curt Burton.

Family invites friends for calling hours on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 10 am to 11 am, at Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home, 7915 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Service begins 11 am at the funeral home, with burial following at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Pastor Michael Brue will be officiating all services.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.