Veronica Rae (Schlenker) Ross, 78, of Greenville, Illinois, an adored professor, mentor, and friend to many, went to be with her Savior on January 23, 2025, after a brief illness.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, January 31, at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Greenville, with Pastor David Bilyeu officiating. Prior to the service, visitation will be at the church from 12 to 4 p.m. Those attending are invited to stay for a fellowship meal at 5 p.m. A graveside service and interment will occur on Saturday, February 1, at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.
Veronica was born June 8, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois to the late Raymond and Gilda (DeBoni) Schlenker. The family moved to Centralia in 1949, where she lived until marrying Stephen Ross in 1967. The couple moved to Murray, Kentucky, returning to Centralia in 1969 and moving to Greenville in 1994.
Mrs. Ross began her distinguished academic career in 1984, earning an Associate’s degree from Kaskaskia College and a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, all with highest honors. She also pursued a second Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry from Greenville University. Her true passion and calling were nurtured as a beloved professor of communication at Greenville University from 1990 until her retirement in 2015.
Affectionately known as “Prof. Ross” or “The Queen” by her students, Veronica pushed them to excel academically while supporting them holistically as individuals. She brought wit, wisdom, and an unapologetic faith in Jesus to the classroom each day. Her commitment to excellence, high standards, and sage life advice left an indelible mark on everyone she taught. In addition to glowing student reviews, she received honors from her colleagues for teaching, including the Richard W. Stephens Outstanding Faculty Member at Greenville University in 2013. She co-authored three communication textbooks, served on several committees, advised several classes of GU students, and performed in three plays at The Factory Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, Prof. Ross served in numerous roles: department chair, honors society advisor, director of management and business for WGRN 89.5 FM, scholarship director, presenter, and more. Her impact extended to local churches she served faithfully – including serving as moderator at First Baptist Church and teaching a Sunday School class that she loved – and in regional leadership roles within the American Baptist denomination. She served the broader Greenville community through active participation and leadership in the Greenville Garden Club, The Pierians, and the Friends of the Greenville Library.
To know Veronica was to share in her great loves—her Christian faith, family, friends, students, Italian heritage, classic games, movies, and British TV. Her smile and spirit were infectious, her heart encouraging and compassionate, and her life an inspiring example of sharing Christ’s love with all.
She is survived by her husband Stephen; sons Chris (Tammie) and Corey (Patty); six grandchildren whom she loved deeply and who adored her: Alexa (Daniel) Page, Andrew (Cecilia) Ross, Aiden Ross, Amora LaDeaux, Philip LaBatte, and Celeste Ross; and two great-grandchildren, Mateo and Nora Ross.
Although the world feels dimmer without her sparkle, Veronica’s legacy shines on through the multitudes of lives she enriched.
The Celebration of Life service will be streamed live on YouTube through https://www.youtube.com/@CoreyRoss76/streams
