LaVonne Bess

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- LaVonne Bess, 71, of Poplar Bluff died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Bess, the daughter of the late Russell Wayman and Lillie Belle Azbill Lewis, was born Nov. 28, 1931, in Wildersville, Tenn.

She was a homemaker and a member of New Life Christian Church United. She and her husband were avid travelers. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She and Alvin H. "Buddy" Bess were married March 24, 1956, in Corning, Ark.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, William H. Bess II of Jackson, James Michael Kinder and wife Kim of St. Louis; three daughters, Kelley Lee Innes and husband Mike of Poplar Bluff, Jane Ellen Bess and special friend James W. Harris of Jackson, Margaret Ann Guettermann and husband David of Millersville; five grandchildren, Derrick and Stephanie Innes, Ryan and Logan Harkey, and Joshua Guettermann; and a sister, Evelyn Harwell of Poplar Bluff.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. today at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Morris Ball officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Memorials may be made to New Life Christian Church United, 2755 Barron Road, Poplar Bluff, Mo., 63901.