Vanita Lynn Bess

Vanita Lynn Bess, a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, in Maryville, Missouri, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She was 79 years old. Vanita, affectionately known as Lynn to those who knew and loved her, was born on March 11, 1947, in Fairfax, Missouri, to Thurlow E. Herrick and Zelma Mae Owen Herrick. Lynn's life was marked by love, dedication, and a profound commitment to her family and community. She spent her formative years in Westboro, Missouri, where she graduated from Westboro High School in 1965. Driven by a passion for beauty and creativity, she pursued a career in cosmetology, graduating from Cosmetology School in Shenandoah, Iowa. For many years, Lynn ran a successful beauty shop from her home in rural Westboro, where she offered not only her skills but also her warmth and compassion to all who visited her. In 1964, Lynn married the love of her life, Roger Lee Bess, at the Westboro United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and community. Their union was blessed with four wonderful children: Robyn Lynn Bess, Ronda Lea Farnan, Renee Linette Porter, and Roger "Kent" Bess. Though Robyn and Kent Bess, her beloved children, have preceded her in death, Lynn's legacy continues through her surviving daughters Ronda and Renee, her granddaughter Meghan Sanchez, grandsons Blake Farnan, Trevor Sunderman, Treyton Sunderman, and Travis Sunderman, and her 11 cherished great-grandchildren. After closing her beauty shop in 1987, Lynn joined NSK Corporation in Clarinda, Iowa, where she worked until her retirement. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a dedicated, hardworking professional who brought joy and laughter to the workplace. Lynn was a woman of many talents and interests. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her love for animals, especially her dogs, was well-known, as was her enthusiasm for camping trips, reading, and watching true crime shows. She was a vibrant member of her community, actively participating in the Elk's Club in Shenandoah, Iowa, The Order of The Eastern Star in Blanchard, Iowa, and The American Legion Auxiliary in Westboro, Missouri. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Calvary Chapel in Maryville, Missouri. Lynn is survived by her daughters Ronda Farnan and Renee Porter; her beloved grandchildren Meghan Sanchez, Blake Farnan, Trevor Sunderman, Treyton Sunderman, and Travis Sunderman; and her 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Vicki (Steve) Sheppard, and close family friend, Merritt Spunaugle. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Roger Lee Bess, her daughter Robyn Lynn Bess, her son Roger Kent Bess, her sister Cheryl L. Taylor, and her brother Eugene E. Herrick. Lynn's life was a testament to love, resilience, and kindness. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A private ceremony will be held to honor her memory and celebrate the beautiful life she lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lynn's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others.