Longtime Volunteer Elizabeth Koonce Dies at 90

January 16, 2015

Longtime Volunteer Elizabeth Koonce Dies at 90

January 16, 2015

(Jan. 16, 2015 - by Harold Goerzen) Known for her ever-present smile, musical talents and heart for people—whether next door or across the world—Elizabeth J. Koonce died the morning of Sunday, Jan. 4, at the age of 90.

She and her husband of 57 years, Lester, who went to be with the Lord a decade ago, served as volunteers with Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) for about 18 years before retiring at the Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood, Wash., in 2004.

“Elizabeth was a very giving, loving person,” said Reach Beyond retiree Susie Lind who, together with her husband, Dwight, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., visited Elizabeth last summer. “She had great insight into people—their needs and their true character. No matter what was happening in her life, she could find something to laugh about.”

Elizabeth was born in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in Santa Rosa, Calif. She graduated from the College of the Pacific in Stockton and taught fourth grade in Petaluma.

She married Les on Aug. 2, 1947, and the Koonces lived in Santa Rosa until 1986 when they joined Reach Beyond as full-time volunteers.

They initially served at the mission’s international headquarters in Miami, Fla. Les, a World War II veteran and CPA who operated his own accounting practice for 25 years, helped in the finance department. He also eagerly helped staff members with their annual tax returns.

“Elizabeth always laughed at Les’ jokes, no matter that she had probably heard them a dozen times already,” recounted Lucy Gray, accounts payable manager at Reach Beyond. “They seemed to have such a great marriage, a great example to others. She was a joyful, happy person. Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.”

In the early 1990s the Koonces changed direction, moving to Bradford, Yorkshire, England, to serve at the Reach Beyond-UK office.

“It was a wonderful blessing to have Les and Elizabeth serve with us at the U.K. office,” said Reach Beyond-UK Chief Executive Colin Lowther. “Apart from their excellent work, they were the life and soul of the office, picking up the nuances of British humor straightaway and throwing them right back at us.”

“Elizabeth was such a caring person, and I remember her helping to arrange a baby shower for our then-baby daughter, but first of all having to teach us Brits what a baby shower actually was!” Lowther chuckled. “The Koonces fell in love with Yorkshire and we had great delight in sending them back to the U.S. with a number of CDs of Yorkshire brass bands to remember us by.”

The Koonces then continued their service at the Reach Beyond Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., again helping in finances and personnel, and pitching in wherever needed before retiring in 2004.

“Elizabeth was someone who filled in wherever anything needed to be done,” Susie Lind explained. “She was always ready to have people in for a meal or to go out with friends after a tiring week in the office. She was one of a bunch of seven or eight in Colorado Springs that got together at Betty Shumate’s home for Christmas, New Year’s, Easter or to celebrate our birthdays.”

A lover of music throughout her life, Elizabeth played the violin and led several musical groups, including the choir at Bethel Baptist Church in Santa Rosa (where she was a charter member) and, most recently, the Sandpipers at the Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood.

Those who were members of her choirs remember her as an enthusiastic leader who could bring out the best from any group.

“I was most blessed by Elizabeth’s gentle and positive spirit,” added Reach Beyond missionary Ed Giesbrecht. “She had many, many friends who loved to laugh with her. She encouraged everyone around her. We will miss her a lot.”

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Betsy and Bill Koonce, and two grandchildren, Natalie and Allison. Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Warm Beach Senior Community.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Warm Beach Senior Community or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle.

Sources: Reach Beyond, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.