Elizabeth Vess (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Elizabeth Ann Vess was born March 26, 1959 in Kansas City, Kansas to Manuel Ortiz and Carole Wilhelm Ortiz. She passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026 in her daughter’s home in Lebanon, Missouri. She was sixty-seven years, two months and eleven days of age.
Elizabeth grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from Northeast High School where she was a cheerleader. She earned her degree to become a Paralegal following high school.
On February 17, 1994 she was united in marriage to Jerry Alan Vess. They celebrated twenty-seven years together prior to his passing on June 8, 2021.
In addition to her loving husband, Jerry, Elizabeth is preceded in death by her father, Manuel Ortiz.
Elizabeth is survived by her mother, Carole Ortiz of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Rachel Vess and Candace Vess-Wilson, both of Lebanon, Missouri; her step-daughter, Jessica Cruse of Kansas City, Kansas; six grandchildren, Eli, Jason, Natalie, Skylee, Braylee and Addy; three sisters, Sandra Porrello (Joe) of Kansas City, Missouri, Sherl Knight of Blue Springs, Missouri and Jacqueline Adams (Dan) of Kansas City, Missouri; a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
In 1994 she and Jerry moved to Lebanon and Elizabeth worked as a waitress at Shoney’s for several years. She then was employed at Country Side Home Assisted Living.
Elizabeth was raised in the Catholic faith and she was steadfast in her convictions.
She was devoted to her family and loved them very much. Her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends and the many people she touched throughout her life.
What’s your fondest memory of Elizabeth?
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Share a story where Elizabeth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elizabeth you’ll never forget.
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