Maecelle Blanche Harness

Maecelle "Blanche" Harness, 84, formerly of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Riverdell Care Center in Boonville, MO. She was born on December 15, 1940, in Oak Grove, LA, the daughter of David Frank Williams and Ruth Louella (DuPree) Harness, who preceded her in death.

On October 5, 1963, in Oak Grove, LA, she was united in marriage to Donald Eugene Harness, who preceded her in death on April 18, 2020.

Blanche was a dedicated New Hope Baptist Church member, where she loved attending Sunday School and worship services. In addition, she participated in activities at Katy Park Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church, where she taught vacation Bible school. Blanche also volunteered at the Sedalia Open Door Thrift Store. Her commitment to service extended to the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief, where she traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Joplin, MO, following the tornado, and to Kentucky during other relief efforts. In her free time, Blanche enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles and gardening in her flower beds. Above all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Carl Harness (Cindy) of Cabot, AR; a daughter, Amanda Owen (Greg) of Fayette, MO; four grandchildren, Kenneth Harness (Peyton), Michaela Horton (Austin), Emily Davis (Bradley), and Maxwell Owen; three great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Leighton, and Raelynn; two brothers, Dale Williams and Gail Williams; a sister, Edna Ferrell; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Blanche was preceded in death by an infant child; a sister, Eunice Rubel; and ten brothers, Warren Williams, Ray Williams, Thomas, Joe, Olen, Pat, Ferrell, and Kirk Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Duane Duchesne officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Private interment will be held by the family at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, MO, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.