Carol was born in Marietta, Ohio, March 27, 1922, daughter of May Barbara Oliver Bell and Earl Davidson Bell, sister to Geraldine and Alberta. She grew up in Massillon, Ohio, excelling in academics and activities, and honored as Washington High School’s first “Miss Massillonian”. She had a distinguished career as a registered nurse, in hospital/team practice, and with American Red Cross, serving ARC in professional capacities over 57 years. She’ll be remembered for her good works – and love of vanilla ice cream, singing, watercolor painting, swimming, and watching sports!
Carol married her beloved, Thomas B. Ross in 1944, starting a family after his safe return from WWII, raising three children and participating actively in community, church, and conservation groups. As an ARC Director of Blood Services and nurse for Northern Ohio blood banks, her work saved innumerable lives and received many accolades. She continued as a volunteer ARC nurse after retiring at 73, and was 1999 Red Cross Volunteer of the Year at 77! As elders, Carol and Tom stayed engaged in community and the world, visiting friends and family, helping others, and enjoying their dogs, cats and gardens. In 2006, they moved to Colorado to be near Boulder’s mountains and prairies with family support close. Tom passed in 2007, loved and at peace, and Carol carried on, continuing volunteering and enjoying her family and circle of friends.
Carol is survived by her sister/brother-in-law, Genie and Hank Ross; children: Susan, Bill, Judy and their families including grandson/daughter-in-law Alex and Jessica, great grandchildren Andrew, Kaylee; grandson/daughter-in-law Dan and Jess, four step grandsons and great grandchildren; many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, including Mary, Lily, Katie, Tom, Bev, Jim, Traci, Jared, beloved dog, Trinley; and wonderful extended family: friends, neighbors, helpers, caregivers, coworkers and patients she cared for over a lifetime.
Carol was cremated and her ashes will be interred with Tom’s at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, and in places she loved. Celebrations of her life and work are planned, and prayers for she and her family are appreciated. If you wish to honor Carol, please donate to Humane Society of Boulder County; CareLink; VIA Mobility Services; Tru Hospice; Red Cross; Wildlands Restoration Volunteers; organizations caring for others and our planet, or contact Susan: PO Box 3516 Boulder, CO 80307. And please, feel welcome to do a good turn or volunteer in Carol’s honor, any time – she’d love that! Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.
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