Dr. Ross Van Ness, age 91,  passed away on November 26, 2023. His death was a result of natural causes. He was born in Constantine, Michigan on Oct. 12, 1932, to George and Dorris Van Ness. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Western Michigan University as well as an M.A. degree in Music Educ. From the Univ. of Mich. He taught band and orchestra in the Mendon, Quincy, and Marshall, Michigan schools for 12 years, and in 1967, was chosen Outstanding Orchestra Director of Michigan Schools. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and Michigan National Guard from 1956-64. He was named a Mott Fellow in Community Education in Flint, Mich. in 1969-70 and in 1970 received an Ed.D. degree in Educational Administration from the Univ. of Mich. He had a 22-year career in adult and community education with Ball State University, Muncie IN., and retired as a Full Professor of Continuing Education from Ball State in 1992.

After retirement, he formed and was president of Growth and Effective Management Associates, a Muncie-based training and consulting firm. 

In 1955, he married Harlean Bond, to whom he was married for 68 years.  He is survived by her, two daughters, Connie Prairie of Cincinnati, Lynne Jobe of Florence, KY, one son Paul Van Ness of South Bend, IN, two grandchildren, Dale Stover of KS (wife Brandy) and Ross Stover of Covington, KY, (wife Gail Anne) five great-grandchildren, Leila and Lyndsey Stover of Georgia,  Aidyn Schmidt, Mina Stover, and Saoirse Stover of Covington KY., and special friend Penny Keller of Florence KY. He wished to be remembered as a man of integrity and compassion, and as a person who strived to leave the world a better place for his having been a part of it.

His remains were cremated and a memorial service will be held on December 5, 2023

at St Andrew Presbyterian Church, 2700 W Moore Rd, Muncie IN 47304 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Masterworks Chorale, 520 E. Main St., Muncie IN, 47305, or Christian Ministries of Delaware County, P.O. Box 1088, Muncie IN., 47308.