Dorothy Margaret Ross

Dorothy Margaret Ross reached out and took God’s hands on Monday morning, September 14, 2020. She was born May 5, 1935 to Ethel Ruth (Wildeson) Johnson and Clarence Edward Johnson at their home at 1708 Simon Street. She was the youngest of eight children. She was proceeded in death by her parents, sisters Berniece Newer, Helen Witmer, Betty Sgarlata ; brothers Theodore Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Harry Johnson ; an infant known only as baby Johnson.

Dorothy attended Harmer Elementary School, McCullough, and Central High School in Fort Wayne where she graduated in 1953.She was employed by Walgreen’s Drug Stores in Fort Wayne, Indiana having been employed as a cosmetician and a cashier. On August 4, 1962, Dorothy married Ronald Gale Ross at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Fort Wayne. They had just recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. She was the mother to four children, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to three , step-great-grandmother to two.

Travel was something that she enjoyed doing. She loved to travel out West , taking the road unknown. Small towns, historic locations. She enjoyed the beauty of the evening sky. Dorothy was a good cook having learned from her mother.

Dorothy loved her dog, Tiny. A little Chihuahua dog who entered her life last year. He was named after the dog that her brother Ted once had that she cared for as a child. She loved lambing and kidding season, seeing all the new babies each year. A new baby goat had just been born yesterday and her granddaughter made sure to bring it to the house for her grandma to see.

When the farm had horses, she loved to be the one to find the new arrivals. One that left her husband laughing and her trying to keep a straight face was when one of his draft horse mares delivered a mule colt. He was at work at the time . When he asked what it looked like her response was it had long ears.

She loved her children and grandchildren, from the day they were born. And they knew her love. Dorothy would attend as many events that she could for her children and grandchildren. School field trips, performances, Cub Scouts, 4H, swim meets, piano recitals, show choir and more, she would be there.

Dorothy volunteered as an activity room leader at Leo United Methodist Church for a number of years. She was always willing to babysit at a moments notice. She had a way with kids. It didn’t matter whose child, she knew how to talk with them and comfort them. Her nephew , Michael Sgarlata, was rocked to sleep with ease by her when he was a baby. And so too where many of her grandchildren. When that late night call came, grandma was ready to rock or walk the colicky baby. As her grandchildren grew, they still knew that she was there for them. Either in person or by phone, they knew grandma was there.

She brought comfort to so many people. A gentle soul, a gentle spirit. Dorothy's presence will be greatly missed. Her memory will be deeply cherished and treasured.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ronald, daughters Rene’ Culler, Roxanne Becker (Bruce), Ronda Ross, and son James Ross. Grandchildren Danielle Thatcher (Gary), Erica Ross, Matthew Culler, Mikayla Culler, Anna Becker, Zachary Becker. Great -grandchildren: Michael Gallop, Jayson Gallop, and Xavier Emenhiser, step-great-grandchildren Zackary Thatcher and Gary Thatcher III, and her two little dogs, Tiny and Hazel.

Services will be held at D.O.McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home (1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne), Friday, September 18, 2020 at 11 am, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 5-7pm. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana.

Memorial Donations may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mccombandsons.com