Mary Ross, 87 of Deep River passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 20, 2022 at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at the Deep River Christian Church. Burial will be held in the Golden Rod Cemetery in Deep River. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Monday, December 26, 2022 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deep River Fire Department or the Deep River American Legion Auxiliary. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lorene Ross, the daughter of Henry "Wilbur" and Zella (Handy) Ward, was born on May 26, 1935 near Ottumwa, Iowa. She graduated from What Cheer High School in 1953. On March 28, 1955, Mary was united in marriage to Bert Ross in Kirksville, MO. To this union four children were born, Ronald, Mardleen, Donald and Jason. Mary worked at Wiley's Bakery, in the school kitchen and for Jean Moore Varity before doing hair at Diamond Life Care Center for 39 years. She enjoyed collecting and making dolls, gardening, flowers and doing crafts; her favorite being: bead jewelry and tinman. She also enjoyed to knit, doing ceramics and quilting for all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping at Rathbun Lake, fishing with all of her grandkids, riding around Deep River on her golfcart, was an excellent cook and loved her pets. Mary was very generous and always donated to and supported the Deep River Fire Department. She was a member of the 50 Plus Club, Hobby Club, Deep River American Legion Auxiliary and the Deep River Christian Church where she was involved in Bible Study and Hymn Sing.

Her legacy will be cherished by her four children, Ronald Ross of Deep River, Mardleen (Doug) White of Ottumwa, Donald (Sue) Ross of Deep River and Jason (Susan) Ross of Deep River; her 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; her siblings, David (Marge) Ward of Kentucky, Linda (Larry) Tuttle) Of Norwalk, Evelyn (Sam) Gillotti of Johnston, Connie Smith of Des Moines and Terry Ward of Oskaloosa; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bert and a brother, Robert Ward.