Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Perales lived life fully for nearly 79 years, on a quest for spirituality and knowledge. She passed away May 17, 2019 at the Riverview Healthcare Community in Flandreau, SD where she was residing. Born in Dallas, Texas on October 1, 1940, Liz grew up in The Lone Star State until she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1993. There she studied Philosophy and Religion at Central New Mexico Community College. Although she was a frequent visitor to South Dakota, in 2011, Liz suffered a stroke which then brought her to the state to live closer to Tina Bellot and family. Liz was passionate about music and the path of spiritual freedom the Eckenkar religion brought her. Liz was passionate about music and her Religion – ECKANKAR, the Path to Spiritual Freedom. She carried herself with an open heart and an aura that shined brightly in whatever room she was in. She was blessed with a son, Sgt. Carlos Bothel and her beloved dog Zena.

Liz is survived by her sisters Maria Perales, Carolyn Sandrick and soul sisters Sally Shaker and Tina Bellot. She also has many nieces and nephews and a large brood of Bothel, Bellot and Smith family members. She now joins and was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Mae Tracy, stepmother Celia Perales, father John I Perales, her brother Johnny Perales, her son Carlos and her dog Zena.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau. Visitation will be one hour preceding the service.