Caryl Harness

Caryl Ann Harness, age 86, of Festus, Missouri, passed away Sunday September 7, 2025 at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus. She was born August 29, 1939 in Lathrop, Missouri, the daughter of the late Mary Belle (nee Hess) and Francis Smith.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee “Bob” Harness and brothers Clifton (the late Ima) Smith and Albert (the late Eva) Smith.

She is survived by her children Nancy (Bob) Zimbeck of Olathe, Kansas, R. Scott (Stephanie) Harness of Herculaneum, Missouri and Rebecca (David) Wolzenski of Wildwood, Missouri; grandchildren Adam (Morgan) Medaris, Andrew Zimbeck, Kaitlin (Ben) Henson, Rachel Harness, Elizabeth Harness, Ryan Harness, Ashley (Charlie) Carey and William Harness; and great-grandchildren Summer, Jack and Ryan Medaris.

Caryl was a retired legal and financial secretary; 40-year member of First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City, member of PEO Chapter JA; a volunteer for the Festus Public Library; and a charter and current member of the Twin City Optimist Club.

Visitation will be 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus. Visitation Thursday, September 18 will be at 10 A.M. until the time of funeral services at 11 A.M. at First United Methodist Church in Festus, officiated by Rev. Dr. Tish Green. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 19. Memorials in Caryl’s memory may be made to the Twin City Optimist Foundation.