Anna Lou Hardesty
Obituary
Anna Lou “Ann” Hardesty was born October 14, 1939 in Martin, Tennessee to Rufus and Estelle Burdette. She passed from this life Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Tulsa at the age of 86.
She graduated from Janesville Senior High School in Janesville, Wisconsin and attended University of Wisconsin – Whitewater working on a degree in nursing. She met her husband, Gene Hardesty, while vacationing with a friend in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and they married shortly after in Tulsa on November 1, 1963 at Christ the King church. They established their home in Tulsa and began a family welcoming children: Mark, Karen and Kimberly.
She was a passionate Hallmark enthusiast and worked at J’s Hallmark for over 40+ years; she found great joy in collecting ornaments and helping customers celebrate life’s special moments. She served in a few roles during her time there and loved all of her Hallmark friends.
She was a quiet servant to others, the kindest and most generous soul. To know her was to love her. Though her gentle nature was sometimes misunderstood as reserved, her heart was anything but small-she would do absolutely anything for anyone who needed a hand. She gave freely of herself without ever asking for recognition, finding her greatest joy while lifting others up. Above all, she was the biggest cheerleader and supporter of her family, celebrating every victory, comforting every sorrow, and loving them with a depth that will carry through the rest of their lives. We want to give a special thanks to the wonderful St. Francis nurses (angels) who gave such good care to mom in her time of need. The family is forever grateful.
She got more interested in Wisconsin teams, Notre Dame and Ok State sports after her husband passed away. She loved talking to her brother about the games and he would keep her up to date on schedules so she wouldn’t miss a game.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, June Burdette Greer; her brother, Thomas Burdette of Janesville, WI. She is survived by her son, Mark Hardesty of Tulsa; daughters, Karen Hardesty of Houston, TX, Kimberly Hardesty Shipman of Tulsa; grandchildren, Taelor Hardesty of Houston, TX; Madysen Hardesty Quinby of Hot Springs, AR and Jayden Hardesty of Tulsa; her brother, Larry Burdette of Janesville, WI and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Church Of The Madalene. Viewing will be held at the church prior to the service. Father Desmond Okpogbas presiding and Father Michael Knipe to assist. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery following and friends and family are invited to a reception at 1:30 p.m. at 1834 S. Kingston Avenue. The family requests any gifts honoring Ann to be sent to: Tulsa Garden Club - Rose Fund, PO Box 521003 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152-1003.
Events
Funeral Mass
Tributes & Memories
Taelor, I am so sorry you lost your grandma. It seems like she was a truly beautiful soul who loved you and the rest of your family deeply. You and your family are in my prayers. I wish you peace, my friend. Leslie
Leslie Nelson
Ann was such a sweet soul. She would go to Ok Methodist Manner every Thursday to check on my Mother and most times she would bring her something. We called her Thetis’ guardian angel because sometimes if Mother was asleep she would slip in and out so quietly but always there was evidence of her visit. When our Mother was still in her home , she would drop by and visit. Never wanting any recognition for these visits. Just a quiet spirit doing her work. We really appreciated Ann’s love for our Mother. When she was able to attend 5 :30 mass she often sat in the back and we would visit before service started. Always asking more about my family then I could get a question in to ask about hers. I really enjoyed our visits. May she rest in peace and may she enjoy heavenly peace now as her earthly journey has come to an end. I am glad our paths crossed Eileen Masterson Nash
Eileen Nash