Phyllis Mae (Stone) Ross

On Thursday, December 23, 2021, surrounded by family, our sweet Momma, Phyllis Ross, 85, was welcomed into heaven by many loved ones who have gone before.  She passed away from complications due to COVID.

Phyllis fulfilled her childhood dream of being a mother of a large family.  She made every occasion extra special for her children, such as making unique homemade cakes for birthdays, holidays, and family weddings.   Her children, family and friends treasure many homemade afghans and other gifts.  She worked together with her husband to provide for their family by growing a garden, canning food, and lovingly completing endless tasks.   She never missed an opportunity to have fun with her children from family reunions and camping trips, to having a cookout in the woods in a snowstorm.

She was a member of Meadowbrook Church of God, previous assistant Boy Scout leader and member of the Women Missionary Society at the Smithfield Friends Church.  But the accomplishment she was most proud of was raising her family.

Phyllis was born on September 29, 1936, in Dillonvale, OH, to the late Mary Ellen (Stone) Loper and the late Emerson Stone.  She married the love of her life, James Ross, on July 3, 1954.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Rev. James Elonzo Ross, an infant daughter Cindy, son John, stepfather Eddie Loper, and brother Wayne Stone.

Left to treasure her memory are her children, Cheryl (George) King of Cleburne, TX, Becky Yocom of Bloomingdale, OH, Patty Ross of Orange Park, FL, Ruth Ross of Powell, WY, James William Ross of Linden, VA, Donna (Tom) Birge of Warrenton, VA; grandchildren, John (Anna) Yocom, Douglas Yocom,  Ashley (Dennis) Ross Salmeron and Thomas and James Birge; great grandchildren, Caden and Bella Yocom, Grace Ross and Alyssa and Penelope Yocom; three sisters, Janet Welshans, Lois (Frankie) Litva and Debbie (John) Lyle; many sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Phyllis will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. immediately followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH. Rev. Marvin Schooler will officiate, and a private burial will be held at the Ross Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. www.jefosterfh.com