Elizabeth “Liz” Putnam, 76, of Baltimore, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Westerville, Ohio. She was born to the late Martin and Catherine (Dineen) Greaser on Wednesday, May 11, 1949, in Niagara Falls.
After graduating in 1967, Liz moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career as a secretary at the Pentagon. In 1971, she met and married the love of her life, William “Bill” Putnam, on August 28. Together, they shared over 53 beautiful years of marriage filled with devotion, adventure, and a deep commitment to family.
Following a move to Ohio, Liz worked at Rickenbacker and later became a majority owner in D.E.W. Construction Company. Known for her warmth and generosity, Liz cherished time spent with loved ones. She loved being near water, especially vacationing in Myrtle Beach and Hawaii. She was an avid reader, puzzle-solver, and enthusiastic board game player. Above all, Liz found her greatest joy in supporting her children and grandchildren at countless sporting events, always cheering them on with pride. Liz was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #3761 Auxiliary in Baltimore.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her children, William (Andrea) Putnam Jr., John (Roberta) Putnam II, and Jennifer (Matthew) Lauvray; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Sagraves, Sarah (Tyler) Makuch, John “Johnny” Putnam III, Kaleigh Putnam, Kennedee Putnam, Cy Putnam, Hunter Putnam, Caleb Lauvray, Emmalee Putnam, Jakob Lauvray, and Corbin Lauvray; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Gray, Logan Sagraves, Jaxson Makuch, John “J4” Putnam IV, and Mila Makuch.
Liz is also survived by her siblings, William “Bill” Greaser, Kathleen Wheeler, Julie (Rick) Wheeler, Teres (Sheldon) Charles, Mike Greaser, and John (Marie) Greaser; her cat, Cricket; and numerous family and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Catherine Greaser, and her sisters, Paula Hayes and Patricia DeWitt.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at the funeral home. Liz will be laid to rest at Union Evangelical Cemetery on Snyder Church Road in Baltimore, Ohio. Immediately following the burial, there will be a celebration of life at VFW Post #3761, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember her.
Liz’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support will live on through those she loved so dearly. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, in care of William Putnam.
To sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence, please visit funeralhome.com
The Johnson-Smith Funeral Home - Baltimore
The Johnson-Smith Funeral Home - Baltimore
The Johnson-Smith Funeral Home - Baltimore
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