Mary Elizabeth Harris (Cochran)

December 26, 1960 – March 1, 2026

Mary Elizabeth (Cochran) Harris, 65, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, at her home.

Liz was born December 26, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri to Sherrill Ann (Beil) Cochran and Thomas Dean Cochran. She grew up in Independence, Missouri and graduated from Truman High School in 1979. She went on to attend Graceland College where she received a BA in Business, graduating in 1983. Liz married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Keith Harris on June 22, 1985.

Liz first worked as a travel agent for Gaslight Travel, owned by David and Iris Harris. This provided ample opportunity for Liz and Keith to travel all over the world early on in their marriage, where many wonderful memories were made. She later worked as a sales manager for Pro Corp Images and finally Geiger Brothers Corporation.

Liz was active in lay ministry at East Alton Community of Christ Church, and like her mother, loved volunteering at youth camp through the church. She loved flowers and gardening, and never missed a Royals, Chiefs or Blues game, but her truest love in life was her family. For her immediate family she was the family historian and town crier; she always kept in touch with extended family and friends. Liz took great joy in family traditions, making sure to gather as often as possible for Sunday dinners, hosting everyone for holidays, and rocking her grandchild in her own grandmother’s rocking chair. Spending time with her loved ones made her so happy.

Liz had a quiet and reassuring presence that made her a comfort to be around. Her hugs, laughs and desserts made us all feel so warm. Her unexpected loss came entirely too soon and leaves a hole in our hearts and lives that is impossible to fill.

Liz is survived by her husband, Raymond Keith Harris, of Independence, MO; sons, Tyler Harris (Tana) of Independence, MO and Zach Harris (Brooke) of Independence, MO; brother, Tom Cochran (Jane) of Independence, MO; brother-in-law Scott Harris (Angie), of blue springs, MO; sister-in-law, Janet Heese (Ron), of Dow City , Iowa; one granddaughter Sadie Renee Harris, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Sherrill and Thomas Cochran, and her parents-in- law, David and Iris Harris.

Services will be held at East 39th Street Community of Christ Church, 15006 E. 39th, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Service immediately to follow.