Bessie Lee Stombaugh

Bessie Lee Stombaugh, 78, of Alma, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at her home after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. She was born June 27, 1948 in Taneyville, Missouri to the late Rex and Beulah (Croft) Braden. She lived most of her life in Taney County. Bessie loved to sew and quilt. She loved sitting on the porch watching her chickens, growing flowers, and spending countless hours in her favorite thrift stores.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Stombaugh; infant daughter, Susan; and brother, Mike (Fred) Braden.

She is survived by her daughters, Anita Biggs (Steve) of Taneyville, Traci Terry (Trampus) of Alma, and Brenda Howe of Forsyth, Missouri; her grandchildren, Joe Rantz (Cassie), Clint Biggs (Kailee), Jacob Odom (Ashley), Melissa Pellerin (Dalton), Abigail Biggs, and Allyssa Vermeire (Jonah); her great-grandchildren, Matthew Rantz, Cooper Vermeire, Harper Biggs, Blayne Roberts, Madilyn Rantz, Emery Jo Biggs, Miley Rantz, Harlow Odom, and Madilyn Vermeire; and siblings, Betty Cummings, Melvin Braden, Beverly Fletcher (Roger), Belinda Dean (Greg), Bonita Fletcher (Joe), Mark Braden, and Belva Hornbostel (Philip).

Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the Taneyville Union Chapel in Taneyville, Missouri. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.