Gracie Ross

Gracie Mae Ross was born in Hattieville, Arkansas on June 8, 1942 to the parents of Leonard and Estella Ross, who both preceded her in death.  Gracie departed this life in a peaceful transition on April 14, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

She was raised on a farm in Cleveland, Arkansas and was a member of New Mount Zion Church where she taught Sunday School.  After receiving her high school diploma from Conway County Training School in Menifee, Arkansas in 1965, she moved to California for a short time, but quickly decided it wasn’t for her.  She would eventually move to Kansas City, Missouri where she resided for over 50 years until her death.

In 1982, while in Kansas City, Gracie joined Mt. Ararat Missionary Church on 4101 Agnes, where she was baptized and sung in the choir.  Gracie dedicated her life to Christ, family and work.  She was never afraid of hard work, and even though she never learned how to drive, Gracie always managed to get to work and on time.  She would work several jobs, but retired in 2010 from National Envelope Corporation – Midwest, in Lenexa, Kansas after 30 years of service as a machine operator.

Family was always important to her. She may have never said it in words, but she would let you know through her actions because it was hard for her to say no.  No matter what you were in need of, if you asked, Gracie would try to help be it money, food or a place to stay she would assist.  During holidays, Gracie would cook oversized dishes and make several sweet potato pies.  If you came over, you were always welcomed to a plate and a whole pie – family loved her sweet potato pies.

Even though Kansas City was her second home, she never forgot about her first home, Cleveland, Arkansas.  Gracie was a great storyteller. She had an impromptu sense of humor; she would make you laugh and you’ll never forget it.  She loved to talk about life growing up on a farm with her 9 siblings. She would always say, “I’ve been working since I was 5-years-old.”  She would tell how she would rise before the crack of dawn to feed the chickens and slop the hogs.

Her faith in Christ was unwavering, she loved telling bible stories and listening to the word of God.   She would often quote a scripture and ask, “Do you know what that means?”  If you didn’t, she would be happy to let you know.

In her retirement years, Gracie loved to walk in the park and meet new people.  She enjoyed finally having time to herself without worrying about the alarm clock ringing at 4 a.m.  Her favorite past time was to watch all of her favorite TV shows and read her bible. She loved long car rides while taking in the scenery. This made her happy.

Gracie leaves to mourn, celebrate, and cherish her life; Her children Gary Ross Sr. (Andrea Ross) (Shannon Ewing, Shanee Ross, Gary Ross Jr.) Raytown, MO., Karen Ross Mahan (Brian Mahan Jr., Briana Mahan) Kansas City, MO., Scharon Ross Walton (Dion Walton, Cody Walton) Cleveland, OH., Christopher Ross Sr. (Christopher Ross Jr.) Kansas City,MO. Sisters and Brothers: Eugene Ross,Los Angeles, CA. Ulysess Ross, Kansas City, MO., Everlene Rouse, Conway, AK., Essie Ross, Clara Ross (Kansas City, MO).  Deceased, Flossie Ross, Lonnie Ross,  John Ross,  Homer Ross and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and guests.