Elizabeth Michael Kravchenko Naffziger

RALEIGH - Elizabeth Michael Kravchenko Naffziger, 86, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Yugoslavia on July 26, 1940, the daughter of the late Mihey Kravchenko and Mary Moogosh Kravchenko. As a child, she was given the nickname of "Olga," later to be replaced by others with "Little Bit." These endearing names were eventually replaced with her most royal of nicknames years later.

Elizabeth was well known as the "Queen" to her friends and family, with a friendly bow or wave to accompany any greeting to her. She loved her children and family and certainly kept them straight. Her feistiness was demonstrated in her many stories and was shown in her protectiveness of her children and family. In quiet moments, Elizabeth enjoyed bird watching and sipping a nice cup of coffee.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her son, James Ratliff, Jr.; grandson, Gene Edward Vincent; and her brothers, Peter Kravchenko, and Andrew "Andy" Kravchenko.

Affectionally known as Ga-Ga/Grandma to her grandchildren, Elizabeth is survived by a large and loving family which includes her children, Judy Volgman (Richard), Mary Lillman, Michael Lillman (Elodie), Elizabeth Griffin, Brenda O'Briant (John), and Tammy Ratliff (Jaime); daughter-in-law, Marilyn Ratliff; grandchildren, Wayne Lillman (Alexandra), Dave Vincent, Windy Tuck, Sam Karnofsky, John Megna, Jason Megna (Melissa), Misty Megna, Jessica Lillman, Heather Wong, Frankie Griffin, III, Franschesholy Ratliff, Talton O'Briant, Chase O'Briant (Melissa), Carlee O'Briant (Andrew), London O'Briant, Ariana Sanchez, and Abigail Sanchez; numerous great grandchildren; and a host of extended family, friends, and the entire Heartland Hospice team, especially Marcia, Tania, Kim, Jennifer, and Karina, for their affectionate love and care for mom over the past year.

Two memorial services will take place this coming weekend, friends and family are welcome to attend both/or either ceremony:

Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Community Church of Christ
29 Zoo Road
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM
1318 Courtland Drive
Raleigh, NC 27604

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Cremation arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be offered at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.