Lorraine Nellie Ross, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and best friend returned home to her Loving Heavenly Father December 8, 2015.
Mrs. Ross lived 91 years, was born May 10, 1924 in Studley, Kansas, and passed peacefully in Hays, Kansas while surrounded by family. She received Jesus into her heart at age 15 while herding cattle and prayed and worshiped our Lord every day.
Lorraine loved crafts, sewing, and working outdoors with flowers. She was an artist with a passion for birds, wildflowers, and nature scenes.
She enjoyed walking and talking with her son, having quiet time with her husband, tending her garden, and traveling with her son, husband, and her son’s family. Her happiest moments occurred when she was with her granddaughters.
As a youth, Lorraine treasured the time with her dad, learned how to cook from her mom, and played with her sisters and brothers. As a young lady, she fell in love with her husband John. As a wife, she cared for her daughter, Linda, and waited patiently for John to return from two wars. She healed from injuries that occurred when a tornado took their home, helped her husband remodel a new home, and had a small sewing business.
Lorraine took special pride in her son’s accomplishments and helped John grow as a person. In her later years, she displayed her art at shows and delivered home-made crafts and food to the WaKeeney Manor. She rejoiced in the births of her granddaughter’s Serena, Emily, and Janae and had a special mother-daughter relationship with her daughter-in-law, Sharon.
In her last year, Lorraine demonstrated courage, strength, and faith as she battled cancer and heart disease. She was known for her sweet and caring character.
Lorraine was the third of seven children of Clyde and Emma (Fairchild) Bell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Clytia and Erma. She is survived by her sister Eileen Johnson of Woodward, Oklahoma, brother Lloyd Bell of Illinois, her husband, John C. Ross of WaKeeney/Ellis, her daughter, Linda J. Menges (Chuck) of Woodland Park, Colorado, her son, John A. Ross (Sharon) of Ellis, grandchildren Chris Menges, Jenifer Menges, Tyler James Menges, Brian Menges, Serena Ross, Emily Ross, and Janae Ross, and great-grandson Wyatt Gardner.
Funeral Services will be at 2pm Friday Dec. 11, 2015 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Visitation will be from 1-2pm Friday at the Funeral Home. Burial to follow at WaKeeney City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trego County Historical Society, where Lorraine’s art work will be on display. Checks made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.