Dr. Pearl Pearlie Katharine Ross

Pearl Katharine Ross was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She was the second child born to parents Earl and Carmen Elsie Ross. She was 54 when she passed away at her home in San Diego, California on September 15, 2010. She is survived by her mother, Carmen Elsie Ross, brothers, Walter Ross and Michael Ross, and sisters, Gaile Larkman and Claire Ross. Her Memorial Service will be held at Beardsley- Mitchell Funeral Home, 1818 Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CA on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM.

Throughout her life, Pearl was sociable and enthusiastic. She was also generous to a fault. She shared her personal attributes, was giving, and helped those she knew and loved. She was imaginative, original, and tender hearted. For many years, she had a brave pioneering independent spirit, living several years in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, and also in Ventura County. She finally moved to San Diego to be close to family and spent the last two years of her life there. She adored her friends and family and was always the first one to say I love you. She was a kind and caring daughter, friend and sister. Pearl leaves behind a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories.

At the age of two her parents Carmen and Earl Ross, along with sister Gaile moved from Canada to San Diego California where she attended Eugene Field Elementary School. In the 4th grade she moved to Glendale California. At her Glendale elementary school R.D White, her ambition was to be a veterinarian, nursery school teacher or movie star. When she was young, Pearl's friends and family found her “straightforward” and “honest” and extremely "loving", these were the perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Pearl demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her. In the 4th grade she wrote the following poem...

What is Love?

Love is being nice to everyone.

Love is knowing someone who loves you.

Love is helping a sick friend.

Love is going into the woods and seeing all the animals, love is not hurting any of the animals.

Love is one of the best things we have in the world.

That's what love is.

Written by Pearl Ross on Nov. 22 1966 at the age of 10

As a young girl, Pearl was imaginative and clever. She was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and received a certificate of special achievement. She was always volunteering and helped people anytime she was asked. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Pearl could easily relate to other children. She was an energetic child who took part in walks, dancing & roller-skating. She was physically active her entire life.

Pearl always had a love for animals, volunteering at a local animal shelter. Any homeless animal had a special place in her heart and she adored the family pets, cats and dogs alike. When she was in Jr. High she brought home a pet raccoon. He would hug her when she came home from school, but after it chewed up the laundry room floor, she had to turn it loose. She was the Class Treasurer in ninth grade, and the same year played the roll of Sylvia Barrett in the School play "Up the Down staircase". She thoroughly enjoyed school and took classes right up until her final days.

In her high school years, Pearl had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was a member of the Fashion Club and Pep Club. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. Some of these included, German club, Drill Team, and Homecoming Princess. Pearl had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Teachers and classmates knew Pearl as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson waiting for her just around the corner. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1975.

While in college Pearl did well, she completed her courses and aquired her LVN nursing license by the age of 20. She worked on staff at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center in the pre and post surgical unit, then moved on and worked in a geriatric hospital while she pursued graduate school at the Pasadena College of Chiropractic.

Always considered a “good” friend, Pearl sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. She would always seek to go out of her way to make new friends. Throughout her life she had many friends, and while growing up, some of her best friends were Maria Sands, Margie Binder, Mary Donnel, Ronnie Jones, Paula Williams, and Gina Guercio.

In 1980 Pearl had a stroke that caused her to go into a coma. She was almost blind and was partially paralyzed as a result. She had a prolonged recovery period during which she had to learn how to eat, talk, walk, and most other basic skills again. She showed strength and determination and proved her ability to resume her independence. This was the most difficult time in Pearl's life, but she was tenacious and determined. She returned to college and graduated in 1987 with a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Pearl's primary occupation was being a Doctor and a healer and she always made the effort to study and focused on the key aspects, new methods and treatments. She took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always be learning and interested in new therapies and medical discoveries. Pearl believed in good nutrition, exercise, abstinence from drugs, smoking and alcohol. She went on to help people with neurological problems. She continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective. A talent that enabled her to work well with them, she always sought the best practices in the health care profession.

Throughout her life, Pearl was actively involved in professional and community organizations. Her peers knew Pearl as being able to strengthen any group endeavor she was involved in. An added benefit was Pearl’s ability to bring valued principles along with her.

Pearl’s faith was extremely important to her. Throughout her later years, Pearl was an active member of the Rock Church, a Sunday School Teacher, and the Do Something Sisters in Christ Group. She was compassionate and warm hearted; someone who truly cared for others and this was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation. She firmly believed in the power of prayer and positive thinking.

Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Pearl K. Ross.

Arrangements under the direction of Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, San Diego, CA.