Mildred Yvonne “Mert” Harness, 80, died April 8, 2021, at her home. She was born February 13, 1941, in Muskogee, OK, to Luther A. and Oetta P. (Nelson) Crawford, Sr.
After graduating high school, Mert received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She enjoyed her career as a registered nurse, before serving as an interim administrator for a long-term care facility. Mert loved the Lord and was a member of New Resurrection Church, Hutchinson. She was a loving, giving wife, mother, and sister, and cherished time with her family.
In 1963, she married Robert E. Harness, in Hutchinson. He died in September 2000, after 37 years of marriage.
Mert is survived by: daughters, Mia A. Harness of Oklahoma City, OK, and Tiffany N. Harness of Washington, D.C.; siblings, Luther Crawford, Jr. and Annette Crawford, both of Hutchinson, and Ann Robinson of Great Bend; and close friends, Jack Stevens, Lela Marie Jenks and Daniel Ekubagzi.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Marion Crawford, Sr., Clifford Howard Crawford, Sr., Carl Eugene Crawford, Phillip Crawford, and Keith Crawford; and sisters, Gwendolyn Benbrook, Alberta Holder and Iola Wright.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family requests masks be worn to the visitation. Private family burial will take place in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Due to Covid-19, a celebration of Mert’s life will be announced at a later date.
Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501, is in charge of arrangements.