Bessie Nowland

Bessie Nowland (1949–2025)

Bessie Nowland, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2025, in Monett, MO at the age of 76.

Born in California in 1949, Bessie moved to Missouri during her early years and graduated from Neosho High School in 1967. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Marney Nowland, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Bessie dedicated her career to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher. Her classroom was a place of warmth, encouragement, and joy-reflecting her deep passion for education and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Outside the classroom, Bessie found joy in roller skating, dancing, cherished the music of Elvis Presley, and was a devoted member of Waymark Church. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a faithful woman of prayer. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oren and Emmagene Leach, and by her son Aaron in 2011. She is survived by her husband Marney Nowland of Monett, MO; her son Jason Nowland and his wife Natalie Avondet of Monett; and three grandchildren: Shelby Nowland of Henderson, MN; Abbye Ross of Quinlan, TX; and Clayton Nowland of Forney, TX. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Bailey; and her sisters, Virginia Black of Granby, MO, and Earlene Beam of The Villages, FL.

Bessie will be remembered for her radiant smile, her boundless love, her joyful spirit, and her unwavering faith.

A celebration of her life will be held at Waymark Church in Monett, MO on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Kenney Cemetery, 10211 Lime Kiln Dr, Neosho, MO 64850, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Waymark Church, a children's education charity of your choice, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.