Norman Rodney Ross

Norman Rodney Ross, 67, of Indianapolis, IN unexpectedly passed away in his home on December 31, 2024. He was born to Norman Ross and Virginia Cottee Ross on June 28, 1957. Rodney spent his youth and high school years in Plainfield, Indiana where he developed as an artist, became a member of Hope United Presbyterian Church and was active in the church's Jr. High Fellowship, and Youth choir. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America. In 1973, Rodney moved to Indianapolis with his family, where he attended and graduated from North Central High School in 1975 playing in the marching band and honing his lifelong passion for art and photography.

An outstanding artist and graphic designer, he received a BA in Visual Communications and Photography from Indiana University, Heron School of Art and Design in 1982. After years of developing his career as a graphic artist, he became CEO of RossConcepts, where he provided services such as web and graphic design, private drawings, personal portraits serving many individuals, businesses and organizations. Rod was also an inventor of two patents: Africards and Piff. He taught art in the Indianapolis Public Schools, Clark College, Ivy Tech College, and the Art Institute of Indianapolis, along with private art lessons.

Rodney was formed by his creative nature and known for his extraordinary memory. He walked his own path with confidence and commitment. He was a freethinker with a passion for debate. He had a good heart, a love for music, and an eye and appreciation for the visually unique, outlandish and/or beautiful. He saw the world differently than most. Humor was always naturally a part of him. He had many friends who had the opportunity to walk along with Rodney in his unique journey and that remained in contact with him throughout his life. Rodney expressed that he and his special life partner of 14 years, Stephanie Gardner, leaned into a love that enriched, widened and enhanced their lives and allowed each other the freedom to be authentic and open to living life to the fullest.

Rodney is predeceased in death by his father, Norman Ross, maternal grandmother, Mary Agnes Cottee, of Nashville, TN, and his life partner, Stephanie Gardner of Indianapolis, IN. He is survived by his mother, Virginia M. Ross, Nashville, TN, a brother, Rick Dwayne Ross, San Diego, CA, two sisters, Angela Maria Ross, DDS, and Gina Michelle Ross, JD, of Nashville, TN., a first cousin, Deanna Reed of Terre Haute, IN, and his cat Zuro. He leaves a host of other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Rod's life will be held Saturday, March 8, at Broadmoor Country Club, 2155 Kessler Blvd W. Drive, Indianapolis, IN. 46228. Visitation at 11:30 AM and service at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been created to assist the family with final arrangements and settling of Rodney's affairs at the following link: https://gofund.me/34b29cd5