Melissa "Missy" Jo VanNess

Melissa Jo “Missy” VanNess, age 55, of Athens Twp., passed away on April 24, 2025 at the Robert Packer Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on March 19, 1970 in Sayre, PA, the daughter of the late Dennis and Susie Walburn VanNess.

Missy was an Athens Area High School graduate, class of 1989.  She was the fire police captain for S. Waverly Volunteer Fire Company which she served as for many years and provided security for the annual Arts 4 All festival.  Missy loved to go fishing and her pet cats and enjoyed spending time outdoors and camping.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her grandmother, Leona VanNess and nephew, Chad Michael Stone Gillie.

Missy is survived by her brother, James VanNess; sister and brother-in-law, Brandee and Tim Gillie; nieces and nephews, Katie (Zack Noyes) Stone, Chris (Kristen) Stone, Cody (Ally Chapman) Stone, James (Loretta Dennis) VanNess II and Alexus VanNess; great-nieces and great-nephews, Braxton Stone, Keisha Stone, Trinity Stone, Lucas Stone, Savannah Stone, Kaydon Dimm, Arya Whelch and Peyton VanNess; step-nieces, Brittany Permenter, Piper Gillie and Austraila Gillie.

She will be sadly missed by all of her nieces and nephews of which she had a special bond with.

A celebration of Missy’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the S. Waverly Bourgh Hall Pavilion, 2523 Pennsylvania Avenue, S. Waverly, PA 18840.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 S. Main Street, Athens, PA 18810 to help the family with her final expenses.

The family is being assisted by the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA.

Those wishing may leave online condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com

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