Elizabeth Ann Podlipny, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully following a brief illness on July 6, 2016. Ann was born on January 18, 1925, in Decatur, Alabama to Frederick Louis Nebrig and Gladys Viola Trotter.



She grew up in Wichita Falls and later left home to pursue a Bachelor's of Science degree in Medical Technology at the University of Houston. It was on a blind date that she met Miles Joseph Podlipny, whom she eventually married on December 21, 1956. The couple later settled in Rosenberg, Texas where they raised three daughters.



Ann's life and career revealed her greatest strength, that of a compassionate and caring leader. In 1964, she began as the director of the Laboratory at Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital (now Oak Bend Medical Center). Under Ann's direction, the laboratory grew from one employee to 25 employees. She retired in 1990 after 25 years of service to the hospital. In 2001, Ann was the first recipient of the Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital's Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor any employee can receive. Her Polly Ryon laboratory colleagues have remained her dearest friends throughout her retirement.



Her husband Miles, preceded her in death after 51 years of marriage on January 4, 2008. Her parents, sisters-Helen Milks and Betty Dean, and brother Fred Nebrig also preceded her in death.



Ann's children and grandchildren remember her wit and wisdom. She taught through storytelling and humor and loved to laugh at her own stories. She was a woman ahead of her time but humble about her accomplishments. She was fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren.



Ann is survived by her daughters Teresa Lynn Podlipny-Kirk and husband Dale; Carol Ann Gaas and husband Patrick; and Laura Beth Heideman and husband Randy; as well as five grandchildren, Julia Gaas, Emma Gaas, Zach Heidemen, Katie Heideman, and Mason Heideman. Ann is also mourned by her brother-in-law Roy Milks, sisters'-in-law Irma Milks, Sue Nebrig, and Joyce Podlipny Herold, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.



Ann's family would like to thank Randi Houston and the staff of Aide in Aid for their support and guidance during the last years of Ann's life. Ann was also blessed in the final months of her life by the constant and loving care provided by the staff of Optimum Personal Care-Sugar Land and Altus Hospice Care.



A visitation will be held on Monday, July 11th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors Chapel, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Following a family graveside service, the memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1512 Louise St. Rosenberg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann's memory. Please sign the online guest book available at www.garmanycarden.com.



Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, Inc., 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281-342-4671) www.garmanycarden.com.