Mary Jane Van Ness

Mary Jane Van Ness, 57, of Kokomo, passed away at 8:28 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on July 1, 1968, the daughter of John R. Jr. and Betty A. (Smith) Clark. On November 7, 1987, she married Harry A. Van Ness Jr. and he survives.

Mary worked as a waitress and manager of the Breakfast House for 36 years. She enjoyed socializing by drinking coffee at Breakfast House and playing penny slots on her casino trips. She loved to play bingo and playing pranks on everybody. Most of all, she loved her grandkids and spending time with them.

Along with her husband, Harry, she is survived by her children, Zachary (Connie) Van Ness and Sabrina (Carlos Morris) Van Ness; stepchildren, Harry A. (Ramona) Van Ness III and Wanda Van Ness; 17 grandchildren, Zachary Van Ness II, Riley Van Ness, Maleah Van Ness, Aniyah Van Ness, Serenety Morris, Carlos Morris Jr., Carina Morris, Tatianna Morris, Steven Stewart, Kimberly Bell, Amber Morton, Candace Livesay, Justin Jenkins, Robert Van Ness Jr., Jacob Van Ness, Travis Van Ness, and Katie Van Ness; siblings, Patty (Jeffrey) Kohel and James Clark; family friend, Ondrea Moulder and her family; and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Ashley Van Ness; granddaughter, Karli Van Ness; stepson, Robert Van Ness; 4 siblings, Glenda Newton, Marsha Langley, Johnny Clark, and Richard Clark; and nephew, Russell Anthony.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo, IN with Pastor Dan Bolinger officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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