Caryl Ann Harness, 86, of Festus died Sept. 7, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Harness was a retired legal and financial secretary. She was a 40-year member of First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City, a member of PEO Chapter JA, a volunteer for the Festus Public Library and a charter member of the Twin City Optimist Club. Born Aug. 29, 1939, in Lathrop, she was the daughter of the late Mary Belle (Hess) and Francis Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Lee “Bob” Harness.
She is survived by three children: Nancy (Bob) Zimbeck of Olathe, Kan., R. Scott (Stephanie) Harness of Herculaneum and Rebecca (David) Wolzenski of Wildwood; eight grandchildren: Adam (Morgan) Medaris, Andrew Zimbeck, Kaitlin (Ben) Henson, Rachel Harness, Elizabeth Harness, Ryan Harness, Ashley (Charlie) Carey and William Harness; and three great-grandchildren: Summer, Jack and Ryan Medaris.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers: Clifton (the late Ima) Smith and Albert (the late Eva) Smith.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Tish Green. Interment will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Twin City Optimist Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.