Mary Patricia Ross

Mary Patricia Ross passed away peacefully with family at her side December 15th, 2023 at the age of 90. Mary was born in Seattle, Washington January 19th, 1933 to Bert and Pat Shipley. She grew up in Alderwood Manor near Seattle. She loved horses and while in high school had the opportunity to join and participate in the Pegasus high school drill team, with her horse “Trigger”.

After graduation while working at Pacific Power and Light in Seattle, she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Ross in 1955. They lived in Redmond, Washington and begin raising their two sons, Ken Jr. and Karl. In the early 60’s they moved to Dryden, Washington where Ken worked with Mary’s father in construction. In 1965 they moved to Leavenworth where Ken began working for the Forest Service, and Mary worked at Dahlgren’s butcher shop packaging meat, and planted trees for the Forest Service. She joined a garden club and took oil painting lessons, which resulted in wonderful organic gardens and beautiful paintings over the years. In 1972 Ken made a career move to Glide, Oregon. Mary found a garden club to join, and continued honing her knowledge of all things gardening.

In spring of 1974 they moved to Walla Walla where Mary found a friend to paint with, and continued to produce more beautiful works of art. During their time in Walla Walla, Mary began working summers with OK’s Catering Company which provided meals to the firefighting crews at fire camps. In 1981 they moved to Laurel, Montana where the two of them took advantage of the area for hunting deer, elk and antelope. Mary enjoyed camping and hiking the area. She loved traveling and exploring some of the neighboring western states with Ken. After 3 years they made a move west to Orofino Idaho where they spent two summers at a remote Forest Service station named Kelly Creek. While they both loved the remote living, it was again time for change. In 1986 Ken retired and they moved to Chelan Washington to be near Kens family. There they bought a house, and begin a massive remodeling process that kept them busy for the next few years. Mary was employed by OK’s during the summers throughout all of their moves until the mid-90’s. She enjoyed the work, the people and the travel it provided. Mary and Ken volunteered at the Chelan Museum, and the local recycling group, in addition to helping many retirees in the area with odd jobs and yardwork. This resulted in many long-lasting friendships.

In 2015 they made the decision to sell their home in Chelan and move to Redmond, Oregon to be closer to family. They found a nice home on a small acreage and were able to have a large garden. They thoroughly enjoyed country living for the next few years, with lots of wildlife and birds. Mary especially loved the hummingbirds.

She loved to entertain and was a great host. The Ross house was frequently filled with family and friends, especially around the holidays.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Sr., her parents, a sister Betty Ruth, and a brother Don. She is survived by her sons Ken Jr. (Karen), Karl (Traci), three step grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and several very close friends who are like family.

Mary was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and friend. She was devoted to her husband Ken, and was crushed when he left this world. We know she is once again in his loving arms, and is at peace.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.