Mary S. Ross

Mary Sue Ross, 80, of Columbus passed peacefully at home on Sunday December 12, 2021. Her death was unexpected but of natural causes.



Mary was born on December 19, 1940, in Bucyrus to the late Marvin F. and Bernice M. (Saul) Ross. She was a 1958 graduate of Chatfield High School, then attended Capital University where she was a member of the women's basketball team. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University.



During her career, Mary worked at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, spent many years both working and volunteering time at Children's Hospital, and lastly was employed by The Ohio State University where she worked in the College of Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine on various research projects, most recently the Department of Veterinary Biosciences studying spinal cord injury, until her retirement in the early 2000s.



Mary grew up in Chatfield, was a faithful member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, and was active in Youth for Christ earlier in life. She was a beloved figure in her Columbus neighborhood, always offering kind words, deeds, and a smile.



Mary was a bright lady with a passion to learn as much as possible about anything of interest to her. She felt one with nature and was always up for a walk or a hike to take in all of God's wonderful creations. She spent numerous hours tending and photographing her many varieties of flowers in her yard.



Mary had a big heart when it came to cats. She enjoyed her various feline pets over the years and loyally tended to any neighborhood cat in need of food, shelter, or a back scratch. She was a member and avid supporter of the Cat Welfare Association in Columbus.



For numerous years, Mary spent countless hours as an avid genealogist with a special interest in transcribing/translating various German records to assist others with their family history. She belonged to many genealogical organizations on the local, state, national, and international levels. She was proud to have visited Germany twice to meet distant cousins, visit the lands of her ancestry, and enjoy the scenery.



Mary is survived by three brothers, Rev. Robert Ross, John (Betty) Ross, and Stephen (Cindy) Ross, nephews and nieces Manny Aristide, Nathan Ross (Koen, Benjamin, Easton, and Zadun), Michael (Lauren) Ross (Eli and Kate), Elizabeth (Justin) Schultheiss (Maddox), Rachel (Matt) Fix (Olin, Ivy, and Esme), Chelstin Ross, and Christian (Rose Marie) Ross. She was preceded in death by sister-in-law Polly Ross, niece Laurie Aristide, and great nephew Justin Aristide.



In keeping with Mary's private nature, her family will hold a private service at Nazareth Lutheran Cemetery.



Those who desire are welcome to make donations to The Cat Welfare Association (Columbus), Nazareth Lutheran Church, or Nazareth Lutheran Cemetery.



Expressions of sympathy can be shared on her tribute wall.