Carolyn Lou Ross

Carolyn Lou Ross, of Upland Indiana, was ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 after a brief illness. Carolyn was born on Friday September 3, 1937, in Gas City Indiana. She was the 10th of 12 children to the marriage of Oren H. and Hester (Weaver) Williams.

Carolyn was a devoted follower of Jesus from an early age. She remained constant in her faith throughout her life. She was a long-standing member of the Pierce Upland United Methodist Church. Her adherence to the gospel and desire to share it with others were always evident to her family, friends, and community. She possessed a true gift for loving and helping children throughout her life. Her unwavering devotion to the raising of her own children and her four grandchildren was a hallmark of her character. Affectionately known as "MeMe", she was adored by them and all their friends who were frequent visitors to the Ross home.

Always grateful to God for the gift of being born in the United States of America, she remained patriotic throughout her life. She revered those who served in the military, including several of her siblings. She believed the USA was the work of divine providence and cherished her freedom.

Carolyn was a 1955 graduate of Mississinewa High School. She remained part of class activities throughout her last year of life.

On April 20, 1957, Carolyn married the love of her life, Larry W. Ross, in Gas City. Their union was to last 39 years until Larry's passing on October 30, 1996. Her children knew it was their good fortune to be raised by exemplary and loving parents.

While mainly invested in raising children and assisting with the care of her grandchildren, Carolyn did find time to work at both Eastbrook Community Schools as a "lunch lady" and at Taylor University as a Housekeeper. Carolyn was beloved and was a role model in humbly serving the needs of others in her employment. She volunteered at Helping Hands Ministry in Upland and with Vacation Bible School.

Carolyn is survived by her son Warren W. Ross and daughter Helen (Rich) Rhodes of Upland. Her adoring grandchildren are Alexandra (Aaron) Smith of Upland, Conor W. Ross of Fort Wayne, Todd Ross (Courtney) Cruzan of Fairmount, and Josie (Kris) Fairbanks of Upland. Great grandchildren left to cherish her memory are: Ace, Aaralyn, and Axton Smith of Upland; Harlow and Henderson Cruzan of Fairmount; and Jacqueline Fairbanks of Upland. Two brothers survive: Eddie (Judy Burtner) Williams of Marion and Jerry Williams of Montpelier. Sister-in-law Barbara (Ross) Murray who survives in Gas City. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Larry, her parents, and 9 siblings.

Services will be as follows: Calling hours at Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services Jones-Smith Chapel, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989, from 4-7 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024. A Service to celebrate Carolyn's well-lived legacy will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made in Carolyn's memory to Pierce Upland United Methodist Church 201 North 8th Street, or The Red Barn children's program 168 South 2nd Street, Upland, Indiana 46989. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.