Veronica Ross: beloved professor, mentor, and friend
Published: January 29, 2025
Author: Dave Bell
Veronica Rae (Schlenker) Ross, 78, of Greenville, Illinois, an adored professor, mentor, and friend to many, died 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 the Rev. David Bilyeu officiating. Prior to the service, visitation will be held at the church from noon to 4 p.m. Those attending are invited to stay for a fellowship meal at 5 p.m. A graveside service and interment will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.
Greenville University President Suzanne Davis praised Veronica for her lasting impact on the University. “She has been a constant in the landscape of Greenville University for so many years,” Davis said. “She left her mark on many students during her 25-year tenure on the faculty, and she will be missed.”
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, returned to Centralia in 1969, and moved to Greenville in 1994.
She began her distinguished academic career in 1984, earning an associate’s degree from Kaskaskia College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees 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 evident as a beloved professor of communication at Greenville University from 1990 until her retirement in 2015.
“Professor Ross was a consummate professional, and she sought to teach the same to all her students,” said Brian Hartley, retired vice president for academic affairs at GU. “She modeled for them a servant leader’s heart. And she had high expectations for them, not only in the classroom but also as they went into the workplace. In recent days, her former students have posted numerous comments on social media, paying tribute to her and to the important role she played in their lives.”
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 W. Richard Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award 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, Veronica served in numerous roles at the University: department chair, honors society advisor, director of management and business for WGRN 89.5 FM, scholarship director, presenter, and more. Her impact extended to her church, First Baptist Church of Greenville, where she served as moderator and taught a Sunday School class. She also served in regional leadership roles within the American Baptist denomination. She impacted the broader Greenville community through her participation and leadership in the Greenville Garden Club, The Pierians, and the Friends of the Greenville Library.
Among her great loves were her Christian faith, family, friends, students, her Italian heritage, classic games, movies, and British TV. Her smile and spirit were infectious, her heart was encouraging and compassionate, and her life was an inspiring example of sharing Christ's love with all. Her legacy continues to shine through the many lives she enriched.
Veronica 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.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Greenville or the Almira Circle Scholarship at Greenville University.
The Celebration of Life service will be streamed live on YouTube through https://www.youtube.com/@CoreyRoss76/streams.
