Janet A. Bass

Janet A. Bass (Heeter) ’81 passed away December 25, 2020. Janet was born in Springfield, Ohio, and grew up in Englewood, Ohio.

Janet is preceded in death by her father, Joe L. Heeter, and mother, Helen M. Schrieber. She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Norm Bass, Jr.; their children, Dorian (Kat) Bass, Colin (Madison), and Katelyn Bass; granddaughter, Regan; sisters and brother, Susan (Biff) Smithhisler, Joe (Melissa) Heeter, Nancy (John) Dragani, and Carolyn (Phil) Collins; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Janet graduated from Dayton Christian High School, from Anderson University (Anderson, Indiana), from Texas A&M University with an MS in counseling and guidance, and from the University of North Texas with post-graduate work in higher education administration and sports administration. Janet held professional posts in college administration for over 30 years impacting countless students, from her first post-college job at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and to her final position as senior development officer with Muskingum University in Ohio.

Janet was a pragmatist with a heart for her colleagues, students, and most of all her family. She had the unique ability to connect with anyone she encountered, from the waitress at the local restaurant to high profile alumni from Muskingum University. She was genuine and generous with her with time and attention. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her. Although she achieved great professional success in the academic world, she was most proud of her children and proud to be their mother. Janet inherited her love of reading from her mother and her love of sports from her father, but her love of family defined her. Janet’s three children were her lifeblood, and her soul will always resonate with her love for “Dee,” “Drew,” and “Boo.”