Elizabeth (Liz) Ross, 80, passed away early Monday morning, Aug. 28, 2017, with loved ones by her side.
Liz was born in Chicago, Ill., to Harley Brown and Elizabeth Frances “Betty” (Ryner) Wilcox Sept. 5, 1936.
She was raised in Perry, Iowa, graduating from Perry High School in 1955. She attended The University of Oklahoma and the University of Iowa, then married and had four children.
She found a rewarding career working as a teaching associate for special needs children for more than 30 years in the Perry Community Schools and the Urbana, Ill., School Districts.
In June of 1985, Liz married Gary Ross, relocating to Urbana. The two eventually returned to their hometown of Perry.
During her life, Liz raised several sweet canine companions, each of which held a very special place in her heart.
Liz cherished family, friends, laughter, warmth, quiet time, fishing, animals, fresh snowfalls, poetry, patience, sunshine and cross-stitching.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Gary; three sons, Jeff (Bridget) Johnson of Pearlington, Miss., Brad (Shelly) Johnson of Johnston and David Johnson of Kansas City, Mo.; one daughter, Liza (Orlando) Thomas of Champaign, Ill.; two step-daughters, Kristi (Mike) Ross of Mahomet, Ill., and Kelly (Mike) Harrity of Parker, Colo.; 13 grandchildren, Kellen (Jennie) Johnson of Ankeny, Bryce (Maddy) Johnson of Pella, Mryn Johnson of Johnston, Emily Witt of Connersville, Ind., and Jackson Miller, Jaden Thomas, Alicia Thomas and Laila Thomas, all of Champaign, Ill.; and one sister, Virginia Still of West Des Moines.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. at Murdock Funeral Home in Perry Friday, Sept. 1, beginning with a visitation with the family receiving friends from 9-11 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Violet Hill Cemetery immediately following.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Elizabeth Ross memorial fund and may be left or sent to the funeral home. Proceeds will be used for animal shelters in the area.
