Elizabeth Ann Harned

Elizabeth “Lizzie” “Liz” Ann Dowden Harned, age 81, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on March 4, 2024. She was born in Odessa, Texas on October 21, 1942. She is predeceased by her husband of nearly 54 years, William Edward Harned; her beloved son, Dwight Edward Harned; her parents, Edward Grant Dowden and Hazel Rose Harkins Dowden; and by her siblings and their spouses; Charles Edward Dowden and wife, Verla Cargle Dowden; Margaret Virginia Dowden Stepp and husband, Jake Levine Stepp; Stephen Henry Dowden; James Albert Dowden; Cecil Eugene Burdick; and Frances Rose Clary Dowden.

Liz is survived by her son, Guy Charles Harned and her nephew, William Sanford Burdick. She leaves behind her siblings and their spouses, Del Elna Eberspacher Dowden; Martha Sue Dowden Burdick; Barbara Anne Hardy Dowden; and Sanford Roy “ Sonny” Dowden. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

Liz was diagnosed with polio in 1943. It shaped her life but didn’t define her life. Her mother encouraged her to find a way to do whatever she wanted. And she did. Liz was a joiner and a doer. She had a great sense of humor and easily made friends. She loved trying new things and traveling.

Liz attended Odessa, Texas schools and graduated from Odessa High School (OHS) in 1962. She remained a loyal and proud alumnus of OHS for her entire life. She spent her career working in the library of the University of Texas Permian Basin. After her retirement, she served her community by becoming an active and dedicated member of the Odessa Downtown Lions Club, including serving in leadership positions.

A visitation will be held from 4-6pm on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.