Carolyn Ross Obituary (2022) – Everett, WA

Mom passed at Arlington Health and Rehab. following a short battle with a gallbladder removal. She went in her sleep…the way she wanted to go. Mom was 10 days short of her 98th birthday. Mom lived most of her married life at Warm Beach and for the past 5 years, she lived in Arlington at Olympic Place in independent living-in her own apartment. At Olympic Place, she met and enjoyed many new and wonderful friends. Mom’s dinner “table mates” were a highlight of each day. Mom is remembered for her “smile” and her kindness as well as her love for her family. Mom loved reading and could read a couple books a week easily! Mom was a stay at-home mom most of our growing years. She worked for a time at Nelson’s Variety in Stanwood. Mom loved her flowers, especially roses. Early years involved a lot of camping with family and friends. Desserts were seldom passed by for Mom. She never said No! If there was more than one dessert—she would say, “I will have a little of each.” A few years ago, Mom was the Grand Marshall of the Burlington Veterans’ Day Parade.
Mom was born on March 16, 1924 in Painesville, Ohio to Julian Kerr Smith and Marian Jayne Smith. About the age of 6, (1929-1933) The Great Depression). Mom and family moved in with another family for about a year to save money. Mom remembers getting and wearing hand-me-down clothes from her cousins. Mom grew up in East Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from East Shaw High School in 1942 at the age of 18.
At 19, she joined the Marine Corps during WWII and served for 2 years. Mom joined because there was a shortage of men due to the fact that so many were fighting the war overseas. She thought there was something she could do to help. It was during that time she met Raymond Henry Ross who also was a Marine. Mom and Dad were married June 15, 1946. This marriage brought 3 children: Rick, Cathy, and Jeff. Carolyn is survived by her children: Rick (Nancy), of Stanwood, children: Michelle Turner, Lorie Castell (Josh), Brenda Bergdahl (Vince), Diane Dawson (Fred), Cody Allan, Cathy Skodje (Jeff), of Burlington, children: Melissa McCanna (John), Mark, Jeff (Robin) of Arlington, children: Vanessa, Brandon (Tavia)….Carolyn is also survived by her sister: Julianne Smith Canale…11 years her junior and her son: Tom (Lois ). Carolyn leaves behind: 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and 1 deceased great-grandchild.
Mom will be greatly missed by many, but never forgotten!!
At her request, Mom wants her ashes spread with her husband, Ray, in the Skagit River at a time to be set by the family later this summer. This was a special place for both of them. This will be a private family gathering.
March 6, 2022

Published by The Herald (Everett) from May 1 to May 2, 2022.

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