Bessie Estella Orness Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Bessie Estella Orness of Marion, Iowa, who passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 97, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her husband Gordon Orness; her son Carey; and her siblings, Gerald, Larry Barney, Naomi Bolden and Gloria Bruring.
She is survived by: her children, Michaelle Burgess and Michael Orness (Barbara); her grandchildren, Angela Burgess-Erkel, Walker Burgess (Kasey), Chelsea McCurdy (Jim) and Hunter Orness (Alison); her great grandchildren, Brennan Erkel, Wyatt Erkel, Hailey Erkel, Camden Burgess, Abel Burgess, Koralee Burgess, Charlee McCurdy, Emma McCurdy, Tucker McCurdy and Adison Orness; and her sister Sherry Hartelt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in memory of the Carey Orness Award in Sculpture.
