Bess Neihengen

Bess Neihengen, 85, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1940 in Jamestown, TN to the late Mose and Nina Beaty.

On June 6, 1970, Bess married Don at First Baptist Church in Crystal Lake, together they celebrated 55 beautiful years of marriage. Bess was a beautician for many years in Crystal Lake, where she owned and operated her own shop.

Bess and Don were longtime members of Crystal Lake Christian Church for over 50 years. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying reading her Bible. She was an avid gardener and loved all flowers and plants. She also enjoyed crafts and decorating – especially for the holidays and at the church.

Bess will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Don; children, Jerry (Lisa) Crabtree and Mark Neihengen; grandchildren, Nicole, Matt and Travis Crabtree; 8 great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles (Linda) Beaty; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her siblings, William, Mose Jr., Lola, Kenneth, Alice, Ray.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 9 AM until the 11 AM funeral service at Crystal Lake Christian Church, 8015 Ridgefield Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Interment to follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park, Crystal Lake.