Jean Ness

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 7, 2009

Jean Mae Ness, 86, of Winnebago, formerly of Wells, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Parker Oaks in Winnebago. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at United Methodist Church in Wells. The Rev. Paul Woolverton will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells. Arrangements are with Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells.
Jean Mae Ness was born Nov. 7, 1922, in Wells, to Oscar and Ida (Hawkins) Penny. Jean returned to her heavenly home on Nov. 5, 2009, two days before her 87th birthday. Jean spent her childhood with her parents and five siblings on farms near Wells and Alden, and graduated from Alden High School in 1940.
On Feb. 9, 1941, she married Kenneth Ness, who was the love of her life. They raised six children and celebrated 51 years of marriage together. They resided in Wells most of their married life, where for many years Jean worked alongside Ken in their business, Ness Studios. Family and friends were central to Jean’s life. She delighted in family gatherings, and Christmas was her favorite celebration of the year. For many years nearly 30 Christmas stockings handcrafted by Jean for each member of her family hung above the fireplace in the Ness home. Her children and grandchildren cherish many fond memories of Ness camping adventures, endless card games, and baking bread and shortbreads in Grandma’s kitchen. Jean was blessed with a deep faith and a love of her Lord. She was active in the United Methodist Church of Wells until her move to Parker Oaks in Winnebago in 2003. Music was an important part of Jean’s life. For many years she directed choir at her church, played the piano and organ for enjoyment, and sang with various choral groups. She was an avid bridge player. Jean loved children and animals, and her dogs provided her with faithful companionship over the years.
Jean is survived by her six children: David (Yvonne) Ness of West Columbia, S.C., Kathryn (Morris) Oldfather of Shakopee, Tom Ness of Albert Lea, Charles (Laurie) Ness of Pipestone, William (Patricia) Ness of Sartell and James (Judy) Ness of Winnebago; two sisters: Lois Danielson and Lorraine Scott; two sisters-in-law: Donna Penny and Maurine Penny; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, in 1992; her parents; a sister, Janiece; and brothers: Jay and Howard Penny.