Vona "Charlene Lebanon" Vess

Vona "Charlene" Vess was born November 24, 1938 in Long Lane, Missouri to Charles Logan and Theo Shepherd Hicks. She passed away in her home in Lebanon, Missouri on Monday, August 11, 2025 at the age of eighty-six years, eight months and eighteen days. She grew up in Long Lane and graduated from Long Lane High School. Following high school, she moved to Kansas City where she would meet and marry her husband, Homer B. Vess on September 2, 1961. They made many wonderful memories together and cherished the sixty-three years they had together. While in Kansas City, Charlene was employed at Simmons Mattress for several years. They retired and moved to Lebanon, Missouri. She was very gifted in sewing and quilting and made many quilts, as well as garments, for many family members and friends. She also enjoyed going to garage sales and thrift stores. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Theo; her loving husband, Homer, who passed away September 21, 2024; and her only son, Jerry Vess, who passed away June 8, 2021. Charlene is survived by three granddaughters, Rachel Vess of Lebanon, Missouri, Jessica Cruse of Kansas City, Kansas and Candace Wilson of Lebanon, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Eli, Natalie, Skylee, John, Nathan, Haily, Jason, Braylee and Addyson; a great-great grandson, John, Jr.; and her sister, Bonnie Powell of Buffalo, Missouri. Charlene was a loving and kind lady and followed the Baptist faith. Her life rotated around her family and she loved and treasured them so very much. She was very close to her sister and enjoyed making so many wonderful memories with her. Throughout her life, Charlene was known for her unwavering dedication to her family, embodying the roles of a loving wife, devoted mother and cherished grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her home was a haven of warmth, love, and laughter, where countless memories were created and treasured. Funeral service for Vona "Charlene" Vess will be Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park in Lebanon.