Norma Lorraine Ross

Norma Lorraine (Guest) Ross, age 97 years, 9 months was ushered into the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Brookdale Meridian where she lived these past 20 months. Her family has lost their greatest 24/7 prayer warrior! Norma was born on September 24, 1923 to Forrest and Edyth (Hargrave) Guest in Clare, Michigan. Norma lived her whole life in the Lansing area where she attended Eastern High School, graduating with the class of 1942. Upon graduation she worked at Nova Engine Company and then JC Penney’s. She married Clifford “Cliff” G. Ross at South Baptist Church, Lansing, on September 7, 1945 and they were married for 56 years until Cliff’s death in 2000. Norma was a Sparrow Hospital Gift Shop volunteer for 27 years for which she was very proud to wear the red smock. For over 50 years, Norma loved to play bridge once a month with the ladies she worked with at Penney’s. Although, some ladies passed away and others joined the group always rounding out the 8, they truly went through life together.

Losing Cliff brought on a loneliness that no one on earth could relieve. Her faith was very important to her and without her “praying without ceasing” it would have been much worse. Although she made many trips with or to see her family in Ludington, Traverse City, Florida, Iowa, and Minnesota because she always just loved spending time with her family, she always missed our dad. Keeping up with the Tigers and of course Michigan State football and basketball brought her many hours of joy and frustration.

We are so thankful for the time we have had with our mom and for the opportunity to celebrate her one more time for her 96th birthday, with a girl’s only party. Chocolate cake and flowers, laughter and family rounded out her last birthday. She sure loved that Dove Dark Chocolate.

She will be missed by her three daughters, Karen (Matt) Losch, Ludington, MI; Melanie (Jeff) Ferris, Sparta, MI; and Laurie (Dwight) Bostwick, Faribault, MN as well as her grandchildren, Greg (Jamie) Losch, Eagle, MI; Michelle (Brian) Madalinski, Escanaba, MI; Nicholas (Kayla) Bostwick, Beavercreek, OH; Peter Bostwick and Rachel Bostwick, Faribault, MN and her great granddaughters, especially Gabi! Her sister, Wanda (Mel) Munk whom she talked to every day and loved dearly. Her nieces Jody Haddad and Julie (Eric) Kessler as well as other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her in-laws, parents, husband, and many dear friends.

Please join us on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, as we celebrate Norma’s long life. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and memorial service at 2 p.m. Private burial will take place at a later date.

A special thank you to Brookdale Meridian who took extra special care of our mom during the Covid lockdown and especially Sammy Idar who mom trusted and greatly appreciated. The family would also like to thank Hospice of Lansing and Dr. James LaBerge for their gentle and continuous care.

Memorial’s may be made to Lansing Area Hospice or South Church, Lansing in her honor.