Betty Jean Ross

January 2nd, 1926 - December 9th, 2020

Betty's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Betty here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Dear Peaches, Barb, David, and Debbie, My heart is heavy with the loss of your mother, my dear old friend. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you all will find peace and comfort in the good memories of your mom and share them with each other. Here are just a few of mine from the days we were neighbors... I loved the way your mom walked the beach daily, scouring the shoreline, in search of Indian beads (Her collection was amazing!) and beach glass, her bronzed skin and classic, white, bucket hat identifiable from a great distance... I loved all the time we "night owls" spent together talking, laughing, and talking some more. If the flickering light from the TV was visible from our house, I always felt welcomed... I loved playing our favorite board game, Masterpiece, when she would tease, "You will be very pleased my dear," then smirk and smile when the painting she just sold me was a forgery... I loved watching our moms have fun together and the way your mom made my mom her very favorite strawberry pie for her birthday... I loved when our families vacationed together on Sanibel Island, and we women attempted to go shelling late one night at low tide, laughing and squealing at the real, and imagined, ocean creatures lurking in the shallow water, until the security guards came out with their flashlights and stern warnings, which amused us all the more... I loved the way she was always game to take an aerobics class together at the Y, or to attempt to start "jogging" around the block with me... And lastly, I cherish the impromptu 3+ hour lunch that we had shortly after she turned 90, when I was in St. Joe. She gave me an old photo of our moms. We laughed and reminisced over the good times our families shared over the years, and she beamed with pride in talking of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved you all. She told me that she felt like she could live to be 100, and I believed her. Nevertheless, three weeks shy of her 95th birthday is ever so impressive, just as your mom was to me... Betty will always hold a very special place in my heart. Sending you love and XOXO... Sara Newland

Sara Newland

December 29th, 2020 at 4:00pm

LeeAnne, Barb, Debbie and David—I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of all the laughter and love we shared on Ridgeway. One of my favorites being playing games around the table late into the night—with all of us laughing so hard, especially after your dad pounded on the floor a few times to prompt us to keep the noise down. We had such fun! Your mom was always welcoming, warm and ready to laugh and play. Thinking of all of you with love and wishes for peace. Love, Tricia (Newland) Johnson