Brenda Mary Ross
January 17, 1928 - February 23, 2024
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Brenda Mary Ross, our loving and devoted mother, nana, sister and auntie. With her son and daughter at her side, Brenda slipped quietly away from this life on February 23, 2024 having suffered a stroke three weeks earlier.
Born in West Bridgford, Nottingham, England in 1928 to Lionel Victor and Amelia Mary Lloyd, Brenda was the eldest of six children. Brenda witnessed incredible change throughout her 96 years, but she never wavered in her faith or her convictions.
Brenda is the beloved mother of JoAnne Thelin (Curtis) and David Ross (Marjorie), and the proud grandmother of Phillip, Davie Anne and Bogart.
Preceded in death by her husband Bill Ross, whom she wed in 1954 in Melton Mowbray, England, their life was full of friends, travel and hobbies. Shortly after marrying, they emigrated to Quebec, Canada after which they lived in Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Washington. Brenda was an avid reader, appreciated all types of music and was a fierce competitor when playing board games. Brenda was a keen quilter and an accomplished seamstress, making many items for her family and home over the years. It was her knitting though that sustained her until the end. It was a joy to watch her effortless and graceful movements as she knit beautiful baby caps and sweaters to donate to shelters and hospitals.
Brenda worked throughout her life in a variety of secretarial and assistant positions for engineering and aircraft companies, a church office, eventually working for 15 years as a Legal Assistant with the Law Department at Weyerhaeuser Company Headquarters. Working also in the home, Brenda was proud of her role as mother and homemaker. She was involved in many community organizations including five years as a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Daughter’s of the British Empire, The Caledonian Society, The Applique Society and the Three-Tree Quilters. She also volunteered for Hospitality House providing meals and donating supplies. Brenda also served several years as a Deacon at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Brenda touched so many people with her grace and kind heart. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her determination to be independent and self-reliant, and her ability to remain productive and busy, living a quiet life of purpose.
Mom’s steadfast presence will be dearly missed. We will carry forever in our hearts the strong values she instilled in us and the wonderful memories of our time together.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2 PM at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 19834 8th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98148.
Farewell to the kindest and most hospitable of sisters-in-law who gave us and our four children the most wonderful holidays in America. So many happy memories.
Always a kind and gentle presence
Wonderful person. It was a pleasure to talk to her and to stay in communication with her after we moved to Idaho.
We enjoyed spending time with Bill and Brenda. Such a wonderful couple. Brenda was always so faithful attending Southminster Presbyterian and sharing her sweet, friendly nature.
Angela Lewis
Brenda was so friendly! It was a pleasure to see her and Philip in church. She was full of grace and love. She will be missed!