Marian Dyer Ross

Marian Dyer Ross, 90, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Monday, August 23, 2011, in Raleigh, NC. Marian was born February 12, 1921, in Sacramento, CA, to Charles W. and Mary L. Dyer. She graduated from Sacramento High School and Sacramento Junior College, and went to work for the Elmer Paper Co.

Marian met her future husband, William G. Ross of Raleigh, NC, in Sacramento during World War II when his service in the US Army brought him to California. On June 24, 1944, Marian and Bill were married at the Post Chapel in Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas where he was stationed.

After the war, the couple moved to Marion, North Carolina and started their family. In the early 1950’s, Mr. Ross’ employment with Superior Stone Company (later Martin Marietta Aggregates) took the Ross family to Raleigh, where Marian and Bill lived for the rest of their lives.

Marian was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and was recognized as a Life Member of Presbyterian Women. She was a member of the Junior League of Raleigh, served on the Rex Hospital Guild Board and was an Honorary Trustee of Peace College.

On June 24, 2004, the Rosses celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Marian and Bill loved, above all, spending time with their family especially at holidays and during their annual summer beach vacations.

Marian cherished her many friendships, entertaining at home and enjoying golf and tennis as well as her book and bridge clubs. She and Bill were members of several social clubs in Raleigh and loved dancing and traveling together.

Marian is survived by her son, William G. Ross, Jr., and his wife, Susan E. Gravely, of Chapel Hill; her son, Willard G. Ross, and his wife Susan C. Ross, of Raleigh; her daughter, Betsy Ross Frazier, and her husband, Stephen D. Frazier, of Raleigh; and four grandchildren, Amanda Ross Kepp, Rebecca Ross, Hannah Ross, and Ferebee Frazier.

Marian's family will receive friends at the Ross home, 1130 Harvey Street in Raleigh between 5:30 pm and 7:30pm, Thursday, August 25th.

A memorial service will be at First Presbyterian Church, 120 W. Hargett Street in Raleigh at 11:00 am on Friday, August 26, 2011. There will be a private interment service at Oakwood Cemetery, prior to the memorial service.

The Ross family is so grateful for the love and care that surrounded Marian from her many caregivers and Hospice of Wake County.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, “Our Hope Campaign”, 120 W. Hargett St. Raleigh, NC 27601, or the Marian D. and William G. Ross Leadership Fund at William Peace University, 15 E. Peace Street Raleigh, NC 27604.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC.