Carmen Ness

Carmen (Collett) Ness, age 69, of Pine Island, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the company of loved ones. Carmen Kay Collett was born on March 20, 1956 to Bob and Beverly Collett in Jackson, Michigan. In 1975, she graduated from Parkside High School in Jackson and then studied at Jackson Community College. She moved to Rochester, Minnesota in her early 20's where she began many lifelong friendships and also met her future husband. Carmen married Ross Ness on June 26, 1982 at 37th Street Baptist Church in Rochester. Ross had recently enlisted in the Army and together they made their first home in North Carolina. One year later, they welcomed their only son, Aaron, into the family. Over the next decade, they lived in Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama. After serving in the Army, they made their home in Pine Island. Carmen and Ross enjoyed over four decades of caring for each other and a shared devotion to God. Ross is not only grieving the loss of his wife but also his best friend. Carmen's life work was children. She worked as a nanny, in childcare, and later for Pine Island Schools. She also volunteered in church nursery ministries and for the library. Carmen said becoming a wife, a mom, and later a grandma were the greatest joys of her life. In 2018, Carmen was blessed with a granddaughter, Isabelle. She loved every child she met and had many "adopted" grandchildren. Carmen also enjoyed playing games, crocheting, making crafts, gospel music, reading and visiting with her many lady friends. Her most treasured times were those spent with granddaughter Izzy.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ross; son Aaron (Erica) Ness of Pine Island; cherished, favorite grandchild Isabelle; sisters Robin (Rick) Goldsmith of Ypsilanti, MI and Molly (Joe) Gentz of Napoleon, MI; brothers-in-law Ron Ness of Pine Island and Phil (Mary Ann) Ness of Longmont, CO; sisters-in-law Polly (Alvaro) Grimaldo of Pine Island and Monica (John) Diorio of Papillion, NE; as well many nieces, nephews and their children. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Patsy Koser, who has been a special blessing to the family in the last few months.

All are welcome to attend funeral services at 3 p.m. on April 22, 2025 at Crosswinds Church, 8106 31st Ave Oronoco, MN 55960. Visitation will follow from 4 to 7 p.m. (also at the church)

Memorials are preferred to the family to cover expenses.