Eleanor G. Van Ness

Eleanor G. Van Ness, 89, of Three Mile Bay, NY, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center. 

Eleanor was born on April 23, 1935, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of Ward and Grace (Pennock) Reed of Three Mile Bay. She attended Macomb Settlement, Three Mile Bay and Lyme Central School, graduating in 1953, before furthering her education at the Watertown School of Commerce. Eleanor was employed by the Ike Adams family of Chaumont for a period of time.   

She married Marino Richard Van Ness on October 1, 1956, at the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church. Together, they owned and operated a farm on Three Mile Point until his passing in 1961. Afterward, Eleanor worked as a waitress at the Harvest House Restaurant in Woolworths for 34 years, where she formed lasting friendships and cherished memories. 

Known as the “Lyme Central Booster Club Queen,” Eleanor was a founding member of the club and dedicated her life to supporting the school and the children of Lyme. For 40 years, she sold tickets at home basketball games and was a constant presence at school events. 

She was also an active member of the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church and a former member of the Fireman’s Lady’s Auxiliary. Eleanor could often be found seating guests at the pot roast beef dinners and the chicken and biscuit dinners. 

Eleanor is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and John Veith of Cape Vincent, NY; her grandson, Devin Garrett, and his companion, Cay Leigh, Carroll of Chaumont, NY; her granddaughter, Brook Soule, and her husband, Kyle, of Westbrook, Maine; and three great-granddaughters, Viera, Adeline, and Charlotte Garrett. She is also survived by her sister, Elsie Lanning of Three Mile Bay, NY; a niece, Vicki Hubbard, and her husband, James, of Three Mile Bay; former son-in-law and father of her two grandchildren, Kevin Garrett, her dog Riley, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Besides her parents, Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved husband, Marino Richard Van Ness.

Eleanor will be remembered as a hard-working, generous, and fun-loving person who cherished her family and community. She had a passion for gardening, sports, traveling, NASCAR, and spending time with her loved ones. 

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 30th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 31st, at 11 a.m. at the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church, with burial following at Dexter Cemetery. 

Donations in Eleanor’s memory may be made to the Lyme Central Scholarship Fund in her memory or to the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church or Three Mile Bay Fire Department.   Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com. 

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Abbasi, Dr. Simpson, and the nursing staff of 5 Pratt at Samaritan Medical Center for their care and compassion.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.