Elizabeth E. Horwood

Elizabeth Ellen Hildebrand Horwood, age 79, passed from this life to her eternal home in heaven on Saturday, September 7th, 2013 while surrounded by her loved ones. Elizabeth, a native of Sterling City, Texas, was born on May 21st, 1934 and is a descendent of the pioneer ranching family H.L. & Fay Foster Hildebrand. Elizabeth attended Southern Methodist University where she met her loving and devoted husband Stan Horwood. Elizabeth, also known as “Nanny” to many was a woman of unshakeable faith who truly had a heart of gold. She especially touched the lives of her family members who had the pleasure of spending many wonderful years with her. Elizabeth never ceased to amaze people with her strong spirit and dynamic personality and never failed to make people laugh. For such a tiny lady, her impact on others was truly large.

Everyone who had the honor of knowing Elizabeth instantly knew how much she loved her family. She especially took great pride in the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and instilled in them the confidence they needed to be able to accomplish their goals and dreams. She also promoted education and good grades—that was extremely important to her. She was also a long time member of the Noratadata Bridge club and loved hosting bridge parties at her home.

Elizabeth served the Lord and the church in countless ways including as a Sunday school teacher, youth worker, choir member, Communion Steward and Bible study teacher. She loved her church and church family and always had a servant’s heart. She served as Concho Valley Walk to Emmaus Lay Director. She also served in various roles including board member of the Methodist Mission Home, Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Foundation, and as President of the Texas Cattle Women’s Association. Perhaps her most significant and cherished role, however, was as a loving wife to Stan. Elizabeth and Stan were inseparable and they loved each other deeply. Their love was an example to all who crossed their paths. Elizabeth always supported Stan and his dreams as a rancher, and he loved being able to share that dream with her. She always said she could never find a more godly and loving husband than Stan and he showed his devotion and affection towards Elizabeth up until her final moments. He truly thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, both inside and out.

Elizabeth will leave a legacy for her children, grandchildren and all who knew her. She was a woman of faith, generosity, class, determination, and intellect. Elizabeth was always aware of what was going on in her family and friend’s lives and had the unique ability to patiently listen and was responsive to the needs of others.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 10th at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Sterling City, Texas where Elizabeth has been a life- long member. Burial will follow at Foster Cemetery south of Sterling City. Family visitation will be held at the home of Stan & Elizabeth Horwood at 319 3rd Street in Sterling City from 6-8pm on Monday, September 9th. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home. The family requests that donations be made in Elizabeth’s honor by mail to the Providence Place (formally the Methodist Mission Home) 6487 Whitby Road, San Antonio, Texas 78240, or through the Providence Place Facebook page.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Stan Horwood; their children and spouses: daughter Lisa and Art Spanjer of Fair Oaks Ranch and Llano, sons: Larry and Linda Horwood, Lenard and Debbie Horwood, Lonnie and Kody Horwood, all of Sterling City; grandchildren: Bill and Melissa Orsak of Sterling City, Ellen and Bobby Shoemaker of San Antonio, Laura and Derrick Bibb of College Station, and Lyle, Lane and Lathen Horwood, Katlin, Carly, Tate, and Trisha Horwood, and Tristan Himes, all of Sterling City. Elizabeth is also survived by her great-grandsons Owen, Miles, and Grant Orsak, all of Sterling City and her future great-grandchild baby boy Bibb. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her loving caregivers Carmen and Angel Rios who made her final days most comfortable.