Obituary of Velma "Val" Ross (nee Newman)

ROSS, Velma “Val” (née Newman), of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late D. A. “Arn” Ross (Feb. 19, 1991). Dearly loved mother of Dan Ross (Martha) of Port Stanley, Roy Ross of St. Thomas, and the late John Ross (Jan. 24, 2018). Cherished grandmother of Gillian Ross (Ed Hatfield) of Toronto, Erin Ross (Mark Freeman) of London, Kelly Wilson (David) of Guelph, Katarina “Katie” England Ross (Joseph Meuwissen) of London, and Vanessa England Ross (Justin Cassels Lionson) of Oakville. She greatly enjoyed and was very proud of her great grandchildren, Ben, Jane, Will, and Robin. Val is also fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews. She was the last of her siblings, having been predeceased by her brother, William L. Newman, and by sisters, Annabelle Newman and Marion Tribe. Born in Paynes Mills, ON, May 24, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Annie Belle (née Parker) Newman. For over 40 years, Arn and Val were partners in D. A. Ross Painting & Decorating, St. Thomas. Val was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas, and a member for many years of the former Alma Street Presbyterian Church. She was a long-time member and a Past President of the Ladies Division of both the St. Thomas Curling Club and the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received by the family at the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) on Tuesday, April 24th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A private service for the immediate family will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 25th. Memorial donations to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged. “Val was always incredibly committed to her family. Her kindness, generosity, and loving nature, combined with unfailing optimism and determination, simply made the world around her a much better place.”