Zanne Bartlett Ness Remembered: Beloved Bismarck Resident Passes at Age 84

Zanne Bartlett Ness passed away peacefully at her home in Bismarck, North Dakota, on April 19, 2026, at the age of 84.

She was born on September 4, 1941, in Canadian, Texas, to William and Fermanetta (Sawyer) Bartlett.

Zanne grew up in Canadian and completed her final two years of high school at The Hockaday School in Dallas. She briefly attended Southern Methodist University before marrying John Chambers in 1960. Together they raised three children—Rebecca, Sarah, and John—in Canadian before moving to Amarillo in 1975.

In Amarillo, Zanne resumed her education with determination and passion, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from West Texas A&M University.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. At St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 601 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.

She is survived by her husband Terry; her children, Rebecca (Mike Hughes), Sarah (Jim Sumner) and John (Cindy Chambers); her siblings, Tom (Sue Bartlett), Jane (Fred Brenner), Terrill (Rhonda Bartlett) and Laura (Bill Brakefield); her grandchildren, Kelly Hughes, Tim Hughes, Amy Chambers (Jeravan Lee) and Alicia Chambers; and her great grandchild Elena Lee.

She was predeceased by her parents, William Bartlett and Fermanetta Bartlett (Sawyer).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a nonprofit organization of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Eastgate and Parkway Funeral & Cremation Service.