Dennis Jay Anness
September 11, 1946 ~ June 4, 2023
Dennis Jay Anness, 76, of Columbus, IN, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at his home after battling cancer for more than eight years. He was born on September 11, 1946, in Connersville, IN, to Milford Anness and Norma Marie Cramer Anness. He married Lucia JoAnne Mancuso on August 3, 1991.
As a youngster and a youth, Dennis and his family lived in Metamora, Liberty, and Connersville, IN. The family moved to Columbus in 1962 and were longtime members of First Christian Church in Columbus, IN. Dennis graduated from Columbus High School in 1964, and in 1968 from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, with a degree in Business Administration. He retired from Cummins Engine Company on January 31, 2022. He was a member and elder of Metamora Church of Christ and was a 50-year member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge. During 1991-1992, Dennis was Grand High Priest of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Indiana and held numerous other offices.
Calling hours will be from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Metamora Church of Christ, 19162 US 52, Metamora, IN 47030. Additional calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. A Masonic Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., followed by a Christian funeral service officiated by Rev. Bob McIntyre and Rev. James Burgess. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Taking Christ to The Millions, (TCM) 6337 Hollister Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46224 or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, 2626 17th St. Columbus, IN 47201 or through the funeral home.
Survivors include his wife, Lucia JoAnne Anness; siblings, Suzanne Gillum, Ronald K. (Molly) Anness, M. Edwin Anness, Mark Richard (Robin) Anness; nieces and nephews, Betsy Gillum, Timothy (Anita) Gillum, Jeffery Anness, Kent (Rachelle) Anness, Heather (Marc) Bucksot, Brian (Rachel) Anness, Abby (Stephen) Carter, Mark (Laura) Anness II, Melissa Anness, Marin Anness; several great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Norma Marie Anness; and brother, John Anness.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Griswold Home Care Agency who took such loving care of Dennis for the past five months: Diana, Tiffany, Sandy, Lisa, Chasity, Matilda and Doreen. They also would like to thank the employees of Our Hospice for their kindness in caring for Dennis.






Dennis was a very giving person and brought us kids a “treat” every time he came to visit. Even if a pack of gum he made sure all the kids got one. He spread lots of love and laughter with his silly jokes! There will not be another like DJ. Truly a one of a kind. He will be missed!
I worked with Dennis at CMEP and he was a friend to my dad. He was a great guy and he gave the Masonic Rites at my dad’s funeral. He did an excellent job and I so appreciated it.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Dennis Jay Anness.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
An external video has been added.
Cindy & Michele Wallace purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
Cindy & Michele Wallace planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Dennis Jay Anness.
Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Dennis Jay Anness.
It is with sadness that I write the message. I have known Dennis since he moved to Columbus from Connorsville, IN. We were friends through high school and then Indiana University. Dennis and I remained friend after IU. He and I would talk a lot about things in general. He was a groomsman at my wedding June 6,1970. Later my wife and I moved a distance from Columbus, and we lost touch. We met briefly a few time after that. I remember when Dennis and JoAnn were married.
I send this message to JoAnn and the family. I have prayed a lot thinking about Dennis, and how we were friends and how we lost touch over the years. I was uplifted by the joy that we shared when Dennis and I were together.
I will be praying today and tomorrow for love and peace through this time. He is in my thought forever. Tim Miller
Larry Herrington purchased the Basket Full of Wishes for the family of Dennis Jay Anness.
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.
The Conrad family.