Bernice Gann

Jean “Bernice” Gann, age 68, of Crane, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, following a long illness that she faced with remarkable strength, determination, and faith. She fought the fight with grace and courage, never losing sight of the deep love she carried for her family and her unwavering trust in Jesus Christ.

Born on October 17, 1957, in Springfield, Missouri, to Orville and Daisy Compton, Bernice lived a life defined by faith, family, and devotion to those she loved. Throughout her entire life, she maintained a strong relationship with Jesus, whose presence guided her through every season of life.

Above all else, Bernice was devoted to her family. She raised her children with an overabundance of love, patience, understanding, and unwavering support. She was a loving wife to V. Michael "Mike" Gann for 39 years and was a steady source of comfort, encouragement, and strength to those around her.

Bernice shared a treasured closeness with her mother, Daisy Compton, and deeply valued her relationships with her siblings. She was especially close to her sister Belinda and sister-in-law Pam Carter and was grateful throughout her life for the love and care they shared. She was preceded in death by her father, Orville Compton; her brother, Randy Compton; her sister, Shirley Morrill; and her nephew, Larry Glass of Kansas City, Kansas, the beloved son of Belinda Isabell.

A hardworking woman with a strong work ethic, Bernice worked throughout her life at Zenith, American Linen, Aaron’s Automotive, Wilson Creek Nursing Home, and John B. Hughes Apartments. She approached every job with dedication and pride.

Bernice was a busy little bee who was always doing something. She enjoyed embroidery, needlepoint, paint-by-number projects, and gardening. She looked forward to dinner outings with family at Olive Garden, Lambert’s Café, and Mexican Villa.

One of the ways Bernice expressed love was through cooking. She was an exceptional cook whose kitchen was often filled with delicious homemade favorites. Family and friends fondly remember her fried chicken, homemade pizza, no-bake cookies, peanut butter sheet cake, monkey bread, fudge, cobblers, brownies, homemade jams and apple butter, and pineapple upside-down cake. Her food brought people together and created countless happy memories.

As a young mother, Bernice loved family movie nights, birthday parties, BBQs, outings with loved ones, naps on the couch, and caring for animals on the family farm. She treasured time spent with family and found joy in life's simple moments.

Bernice had a special love for dogs and cherished each one she welcomed into her life. Throughout the years, her beloved companions included Gracie and Ricky, Betty, Dingy, Lucy Lou, Oscar, Candy, ET, Fritz, and Tiny. They were treasured members of her family and brought her endless comfort, companionship, and joy.

She especially loved spending time with her mother, Daisy, with whom she shared a uniquely close bond. She also cherished every moment spent with her beloved grandsons, Sam Larmie and Ben Perkins, who brought endless pride and happiness to her life. Bernice enjoyed birdwatching and was especially fond of owls.

Music filled many happy moments throughout her life. Her favorite artists included Billy Joel, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Hank Williams Jr., Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Toby Keith, Dolly Parton, Jelly Roll, and Tim McGraw.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Mike Gann; her mother, Daisy Compton; her daughters, Christina Larmie and husband Elliott Larmie of South Florida, and Jimi Bowman and husband Todd Bowman of Springfield, Missouri; and her cherished grandsons, Sam Larmie and Ben Perkins.

She is also survived by her sister, Belinda Isabell and husband Kurt Isabell of Wyandotte, Kansas; brother-in-law Randy Morrill of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law Pam Carter and her husband, Sam Carter, of Fair Grove, Missouri, and their son, Sam Carter; niece Shelley Frieze and husband Steve Frieze of Willard, Missouri; niece Melody Johnson and husband Chad Johnson of Ozark, Missouri, and their daughters, Laney and Kaylee Johnson; and niece Michelle Ceron and husband Thomas Ceron of Wyandotte, Kansas, along with their daughters, Chanel Ceron and Darcy Angulo of Oak Grove, Missouri.

Those who knew Bernice will remember her loving heart, steadfast faith, tireless devotion to family, strong spirit, and the kindness she freely shared with others. She was cherished by many and leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, generosity, and grace that will continue to live on through all who knew her.

Per Bernice’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.

Mom’s Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Willard Care Center, 400 Walnut Lane, Willard, Missouri 65781.

The family shares their heartfelt thanks for the kindness, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s honor are warmly welcomed and will be appropriated to "Willard Care Center". Contributions may be placed in the donation drop box at the Celebration of Life or shared with Chrissy Larmie for collection.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, Missouri.

Rest in peace, Bernice. Your faith never wavered, your love never failed, and your memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know you. ❤️