Della O. Vanness of Brook Street passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital. 

 Della was born on January 8, 1959, in Olean and was the daughter of Paul J. and Grace E. Smith Kayes Sr. On July 14, 1984, at Trinity United Methodist Church she married Timothy J. Vanness, who survives. 

 Della was a 1977 graduate of Olean High School. She worked for Bowlean Lanes on West State Street for many years as a waitress and bartender. Then she worked at Coral Lane Bowling alley on Front Street for a number of years. Della worked as a waitress at the Myers Steakhouse and at the Seneca Allegany Casino both in Salamanca until her retirement in about 2019.

 Della enjoyed making crafts and making wicker baskets. She owned and operated “Bamboozled by Baskets”. When she was younger, she was a member of both girl scouts and Order of Constellations Masonic Youth Group here in Olean. Della was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. 

 Della is survived by her husband, Timothy J. Vanness, a daughter, Melissa Ann Vanness of Tonawanda, a granddaughter, Lyra Grace Luchkiw, a brother Paul J. Kayes of Olean, and 2 nephews, Devin P. (Alexa Minckler) Kayes of Olean and Ethan T. (Ryan Wawrzeniec) Kayes of Olean. 

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 11:00am to 1:00pm at which a memorial service will be held. The Rev. Gerald C. Piper will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. A complete obituary will be published. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

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