SAN ANGELO Elizabeth Ellen Hildebrand Horwood, age 79, passed from this life to her eternal home in heaven on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, while surrounded by her loved ones. Elizabeth, a native of Sterling City, Texas, was born on May 21, 1934, and is a descendent of the pioneer ranching family H.L. and 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 longtime 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 service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at First United Methodist Church of Sterling City, Texas, where Elizabeth had been a lifelong member. Burial will follow in Foster Cemetery, south of Sterling City. Family visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at the home of Stan and Elizabeth Horwood at 319 3rd St. in Sterling City. 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, TX 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. Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.
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I loved Aunt Elizabeth so much. My heart is sad at her passing. I am praying for the rest of the family. Love from Carolyn
carolyn dupas
November 7, 2013
Dear Stan and all the family,
You have all been in our thoughts and prayers since we learned of Elizabeth's death. She was such a wonderful woman of faith. She blessed our lives and countless others. May God's peace and strength be yours each day.
All our love,
Bill, Sheree, Will, and Lincoln Harris
September 18, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Horwood during the planning of her granddaughters weddings. She was a beautiful woman, kind and thoughtful. She loved the those girls very much.
Kelly Clifton
September 13, 2013
Mrs. Horwood was a very gracious lady. She will be missed! It was my honor to have known her.
Jackl Lewright
September 11, 2013
Joyce and I send our deepest regrets to Elizabeth's family and friends. We thoroughly enjoyed and often benefited from her company here and abroad.
Steve Munday
September 11, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you all....your family touched
ours in a very special way.
Pat Wasterval
September 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all for the loss of Elizabeth. She was a wonderful person, and I am so glad I had the priviledge of knowing her! May the Lord be with you all.
Terri Jones
September 10, 2013
Sorry to hear about Elizabeth's passing. She was someone I always looked up to and I always enjoyed her company. Please accept my sincere condolences Brenda Augustine George Blackwell.
September 10, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Love to you all, Ricky,
Becky, Mason, and Meagan Ross
September 10, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Elizabeth was one of the loveliest ladies I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with the Horwood family. Peace be with you.
Cindy Hardy-Bynum
September 10, 2013
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Samye and Joni Spanjer
Samye and Joni Spanjer
September 9, 2013
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
David & Shayna Myrick
September 9, 2013
What a delight to serve on the board of MMH with Elizabeth - she and I both had a love of the home. I had such respect for her leadership during trying times.Perhaps our support and concerns can help fillthe void left by her death.
ken schwenke
September 9, 2013
Lisa and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your hour of grief. May God bless you all.
Bill Avera
September 9, 2013
Sterling City has lost one of its brightest beacons. We pray you are surrounded by the Lord and love during this difficult time.
Fred and Betsy Thompson
September 9, 2013
Our hearts goes out to each of you for the loss of such a wonderful lady! So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Kit and Beverly (Brooks) Thompson, Early, TX
Brook, Christie, Cody and Tanner Elmore, Belton, TX
September 9, 2013
We are deeply sorry for your loss but grateful that she is in a better place! Thoughts and prayers are with the family of this beloved woman!
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Chand Family
September 9, 2013
What an incredible pioneer woman to Sterling County! She was truly one of the most sweetest women and such a blessing to know. Her beautiful legacy will live on for many generations! Randy & Janell Sparks
September 9, 2013
Elizabeth was a very special lady. I have so many great memories of Hereford events and our mothers together. We are all so blessed to have had these wonderful, Godly mothers supporting us in all we did. Y'all are in our prayers. Jonama Cox Myrick and family
Jonama Myrick
September 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Elizabeth truly showed what it means to be the hands and feet of God. She was a blessing to so many and we consider ourselves fortunate to have had our paths cross. May God bless and keep each of you and bring each of you peace as you go through the days, weeks and months to come.
Our love,
Wade and Monica Demere
Tim and Janet Demere Young
Craig and Tammy Demere
Shannon and Ross Blackwelder
September 9, 2013
Our hearts go out to you all and know the Lord is surrounding you with His love and peace. We love you all.
Crisp and Sally Williams
September 9, 2013
Our most sincere condolences to Stan, Larry, Lenard, Lonnie, Lisa and the rest of the Horwood family on the passing of Mrs. Horwood.
Ben and Lety Burch
September 9, 2013
Elizabeth is an angel in heaven but she was always an angel on earth. God bless her family as they go through this difficult time. To Lisa, Larry, Lonnie and Lenard : You have a lifetime full of wonderful memories that will make you laugh and make you cry but I know all of them well last forever.
Judy Brock Laxson
September 9, 2013
Lonnie,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You and you family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Tammie Hohensee
and family
September 9, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May The Lord Bless & carry all of you through this time. Love to all of you. Billy Dell, Bobbie, Kelbie, Aaron, & Kari Renfroe
September 9, 2013
Elizabeth was a part of my life for close to 29 years and I am definitely a better person for having her in it. She will always live in our hearts and we will cherish the memories forever.
Pam Tarr
September 9, 2013
she was the true meaning of a lady.
herb & cindy edwards
September 9, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of Nanny Elizabeth.She will be missed by many.My prayers are with the family during this sad time in your life.
Susan and David Garrison
susan garrison
September 9, 2013
Anyone who knew Elizabeth was truly blessed. We pray for comfort and peace. Love to you all.
Joe, Jana, Jordan, & Jace Bentle
September 9, 2013
Elizabeth will be missed so many, she was an exceptional lady with the spirit of the Lord uplifting the ones around her. She was a joy to know and a pleasure to be around. My heart aches for the family, as I know you are all hurting, But Elizabeth did the Lord's work here on earth and he now has better plans for in her eternal home. The circle of life Is hard to understand, but we all will meet up again, God Bless you Stan and all the children and grandchildren, A new Angel has joined along side the Lord.
Martha Williams
September 9, 2013
So sorry for the loss of your mom. She will be greatly missed.
Sheri Foster Green (Stephenville, Tx)
September 9, 2013
One of nices ladies I ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is,a treasure that we will miss as a friend and as a community
Larry and Tina Wilson
September 9, 2013
Elizabeth was a woman of great faith and an example to many. One of Sterling City's greatest treasures!!!
Blenda and David Aycock
September 8, 2013
One of the finest Ladies I have ever met. She welcome my baby into the family, and became her Nanny as well.
Terry Poole
September 8, 2013
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