Elizabeth Harrison

(From Knell Mortuary)

On Good Friday, April 15, 2022, heaven received another angel. At nearly 104 years young, Elizabeth Irene Richards Harrison danced from this life into the next. 

Elizabeth was born on July 19, 1918, in Crane, Missouri, to Charles and Edna Richards. Raised in Crane during her childhood, Elizabeth was a member of the state championship 1934-1935 girls’ basketball team and graduated high school in 1936. 

Always one for a great adventure, Elizabeth attended college at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, MO, prior to serving in the U.S. Navy. Upon her honorable discharge she rejoined her family in Joplin, MO. 

In May of 1958, Elizabeth married John Arthur Harrison and began her next life’s chapter in Carthage, MO, as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. With music in her heart and Big Band and Jazz playing throughout her house, Elizabeth’s door was always open to the abundance of dear friends and family searching for love, laughter, light, and a well-stirred martini. Elizabeth resided in Carthage until her death.

Survivors include her daughter, Ann Harrison Huckstep (Joe); grandsons, Zachary, and William (Trish); great-grandchildren, Braiden, Christian, Justice, Zayda, Elias, and Ezmyn; nephew, Mark Richards (Elizabeth), and more friends that can be listed. Whether being called Mom, Grandmother or Aunt Liz, Elizabeth Harrison touched the lives of many with her grace, beauty, and zest for life.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Charles and Edna; her three brothers, Ralph, Raymond, and Harold Richards.

A graveside only service will be held at the Crane Missouri Community Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 6, 2022. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage for the compassion and care of Elizabeth over the past few years. 

In lieu of flowers, as an honor to Elizabeth, donations in her honor may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.