Runa Elizabeth "Liz" Chandler, 74, of Columbia, died August 7, 2018. Born September 13, 1943 in Vasa, Finland, she was a daughter of the late Runar Eugene Knoblock and Greta Naemi Onnela.

Her formative years were spent in Finland, where her father was a sea captain, and her mother, a former Olympic diver. Liz was fluent in several languages, which included Swedish, Finnish, German and English. She yearned to travel and left Finland when she was 18 to venture abroad, where she met her future husband, had a child and joined the U.S. military where she received numerous commendations such as the Legion of Merit. After serving for many years in various locations, she retired in Columbia, SC as a Sergeant Major. Liz was an avid learner, achieving a Master's of Art Degree in Organizational Leadership and runner, having participated in several marathons.

Survivors include her son, Vic Chandler (Renee); grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hendry (Xander), Morgan Chandler, Matthew Chandler, McKenna Chandler, Jayden Chandler and Ellery Chandler; step children, Joanna Kuczenski (Bill), Michelle Horan (Dave), Thomas Shank (Tanisha), brother; John Knoblock, nephew; Fredrik Knoblock and cousins; Margareta Thun, Jenny Wilhelms-Seppälä, Riitta Skytt, Torsten Onnela, Charlotta Thun-Jakonen and Maria Thun-Ström.

Services for Mrs. Chandler will be held in Vasa, Finland at a later date. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, SC Chapter, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29210.