Ness, Catherine "Cathie" Elizabeth Age 74, of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Passed away peacefully on April 29, 2020. Survived by brother Doug Ness, mother Avis Ness, niece Abby Ness, and companion Luanne VanAvery.

Cathie was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, and a friend to many. Born on July 7, 1945 in Redwood Falls, Cathie spent her childhood years in Morton, MN, moving to Minneapolis as a young teen. She graduated from Minneapolis West High School and attended the University of Minnesota before starting work in the Twin Cities. Her career included stints at BlueCross/Blue Shield, Northern Telecom, and most recently over ten years at Best Buy where she retired as an IT Systems Analyst.

Cathie was an exceptional athlete and had an incredible passion for anything "sports." Years before the passage of Title IX, she played on women's basketball teams at The University of Minnesota in the 1960s. These club teams helped pave the way for increased opportunities for women in collegiate athletics. Recently, she and her teammates were awarded honorary varsity letters by the U of M for their participation. For many years she was an awesome lefty pitcher on top-tier slow-pitch softball teams in the Twin Cities that were perennial title contenders and went to the World Tournament. Also an avid bowler, she once bowled a documented 300 game. Later in life, Cathie developed a passion for golf, once competing in the MN State Amateur Tournament, and continuing to play into her 70s.

Her devotion to sports and the University of Minnesota led her to become an enthusiastic supporter of U of M athletics, particularly women's teams. She was a season ticket holder and booster for the women's volleyball, softball, basketball and hockey teams and derived great joy from the games, road trips, and camaraderie.

Cathie also had a deep love for nature and animals. She loved spending time at her cabin on Barrs Lake near Duluth and along the North Shore - this is "where her soul was." Hiking, biking, XC skiing, kayaking, and just hanging out there with friends and family were near and dear to her heart.

Cathie will be missed greatly by all her family and friends. She was a wonderful big sister and aunt, and a true friend to so many people. We will miss her warm smile, her quick (and sometimes wicked) wit, and most of all her loving and generous heart. We are thankful she is now in God's hands and will be surrounded by love and in communion with relatives and friends who have gone before. Rest in peace our dear Cathie.

Arrangements are being handled by The Cremation Society of Minnesota, Edina Chapel, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435. A memorial service will be held at a later date due to current COVID-19 limitations.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cathie's name to University of Minnesota Women's Athletics Patty Berg Fund. Guestbook: startribune.com/…

Published on May 3, 2020