Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Mary Patricia Ross passed away peacefully with family at her side December 15th, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born in Seattle, January 19th, 1933 to Bert and Pat Shipley. She grew up in Alderwood Manor near Seattle. She loved horses and while in high school had the opportunity to participate in the Pegasus high school drill team with Trigger, her horse.
After graduation while working at Pacific Power and Light, she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Ross in 1955. They lived in Redmond, Washington and began raising their family. In the early 60’s they moved to Dryden, Washington where Ken worked with Mary’s father in construction. In 1965 they moved to Leavenworth where Ken began working for the Forest Service. Mary worked at Dahlgren’s butcher shop, and planted trees for the Forest Service. She joined a garden club and took painting lessons, which resulted in wonderful organic gardens and paintings over the years. In 1972 they made a move to Glide, Oregon. Mary found a garden club, and continued honing her knowledge of all things gardening.
They moved to Walla Walla in 1974 where Mary found a friend to paint with, and continued to produce works of art. While in Walla Walla, she began working with OK’s Catering Company which provided meals to crews at fire camps.
In 1981 they moved to Laurel, Montana where they took advantage of the area for hunting, camping and hiking. Mary loved traveling and exploring the neighboring western states with Ken. After 3 years they made a move to Orofino Idaho where they spent two summers at a remote Forest Service station (Kelly Creek). While they loved remote living, it was time for change.
In 1986 Ken retired and they moved to Chelan Washington. There they bought a house, and began a remodeling process that kept them busy for the next few years. Mary was employed by OK’s during the summers until the mid-90’s. She enjoyed the work, the people, and the travel it provided. Mary and Ken volunteered at the Chelan Museum, and the local recycling group, in addition to helping many retirees in the area with odd jobs and yardwork, resulting in many long-lasting friendships.
In 2015 they sold their home in Chelan and moved to Redmond, Oregon to be closer to family. They found a home on a small acreage and were able to have a large garden. They thoroughly enjoyed country living for the next few years with wildlife and birds. Mary especially loved the hummingbirds.
Mary loved to entertain and the Ross house over the years was frequently filled with family and friends, especially around the holidays.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Sr., her parents, a sister Betty, and a brother Don. She is survived by her sons Ken Jr. (Karen), Karl (Traci), three step grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and several very close friends who are like family.
Mary was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and friend. She was devoted to Ken, and was crushed when he left this world in 2022. We know she is once again in his loving arms, and is at peace.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
