Funeral services will be live streamed at facebook.com/stolafdevilslakend

Jeanna Elizabeth Ness, age 38, of Devils Lake ND died unexpectedly Saturday, March 7, 2026 at her home in Devils Lake.

Jeanna was born December 18, 1987, to Kent and Mary Jean (Gefroh) Ness, in Devils Lake. She was a little dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty. She attended K-12 grades in Devils Lake schools, graduating in 2006. During this time of schooling, she was active in competitive dance, basketball, and track. Jeanna was an athlete through and through. Dance and specifically, pole vaulting is where she shined. Jeanna continued her athletic career into college, pole vaulting at NDSU and Mary College in Bismarck. She furthered her education and received her degree at Phoenix College, as an Aesthetician.

During high school Jeanna helped train athletes during the summer months, coached little girls basketball, and babysat in her neighborhood. After college Jeanna practiced as an Aesthetician in her studio. She also, most recently, was a Peer Mentor counselor at The Ridge in Fargo. Jeanna was a devoted mother to the most precious little girl, Gianna (Gia). The love between them could not only be seen, but it could be felt. Their bond is something that will never be broken, only strengthened as Jeanna will love and guide Gia from her heavenly home. What Jeanna loved most was spending time with Gia and her mom.

Family was a priority for Jeanna. Nothing mattered more. She adored her brother Bobby from the time of one year of age. They were two peas in a pod. Jeanna was also the doting big sister to Ty, who lovingly called her “NaNa”. She loved to take him on farm adventures, often returning full of laughter and smiles.

For those that knew her, they found that Jeanna was such a beautiful person. She easily forgave people, as she herself wanted that same forgiveness. That trait made her such a loving and welcoming soul.

Jeanna enjoyed the beautiful things in life and made things around her beautiful, such as her work as an Aesthetician, and helping those who needed support and always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved exercising and her happy place was the steam room. She loved music, flowers, animals, being artistic with her food, the color purple, and nature. She would not want to miss an opportunity to be outside during a rain. Gia and Jeanna were outside in the "forest" as Gia coined it. They collected bunnies, birds, snakes, fish and etc., any day that they were at Grandma's house.

Jeanna loved and studied anything holistic and healing within. She loved traveling, having lived in France, Lithuania, and Israel.

She was the person you called when you needed a non-judgemental voice.

From beginning to end Jeanna was known for her bright spirit, compassionate heart, and her unstoppable determination. She was a spontaneous firecracker and her smile and laughter could light up any room she was in. She will forever be remembered for this.

Jeanna is survived by her beloved daughter, Gianna (Gia); mother, Mary Jean Olson (Don) and father, Kent Ness (Hayley); brothers, Bobby Ness (Magy) and Ty Ness; step-brother Terry Olson (Billie); step-sister, Falon Olson; nephews, Charlie Ness, Dravyn, Ethan, and Zadyn Angeles, Briggs Olson; nieces, Camila Becerra, Brina Angeles, Ellie and Marlie Olson; Grandfather, Robert Ness Sr., many aunts and uncles, and her beloved fur babies.

She was preceded in death by beloved grandparents, Jean and Pete Gefroh, and Bernice Ness.

Visitation will be from 2-4 pm, Sunday March 15 at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Funeral services will be March 16, 11:00 a.m. at St Olaf's Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Pankratz officiating. Burial to follow the funeral service at the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Hope Center in Devils Lake, ND in memory of Jeanna. Please visit hopecenterdevilslake.com.

Casket Bearers will be Bobby Ness, Ty Ness, Alaina Beckert, Hunter Beckert, Chris Storey, Levi Heisler, and Nicole Gefroh. 

Honorary Bearers will be Jeanna's many dear friends, family and her beloved grandpa Robert Ness Sr.