Loretta May Ross

(Strickland)

Avon- April 22, 2025, at age 91. She is survived by her children Mary “Lynn” (Jim) Henry, James (Dawn) Ross, Jamie (Paul) Tagliaferri; Grandchildren Jessica Hardy, Anthony (Alyson) Tagliaferri, Kayleigh Ross, Joshua (Salina) Watson, Stephanie (Rich) Noyes-Weeks, Douglas Watson; Great-grandchildren Adrianna Hardy, Brody Tagliaferri, Virginia Noyes, Colin Breckenridge, Gabriel Watson, Noah Watson; Sister Deena (Dennis) Patriarca; Niece Brittany (Moe) Matari; Special friends Mary Du Boise and Karin Nowicki. Loretta was predeceased by her Husband James P. Ross; Son Bobby Osteen; Brother John Robert “Bobby” Strickland.

Loretta, or Laurie as she was known to family and friends, worked for many years as a Dental Hygienist. She later spent 25+ years working the drive-thru window at the Avon McDonald’s where she met every customer with a cheerful disposition, a smile on her face and a treat for their dog. She finally hung up her Golden Arches at the age of 85. She loved to read and was a regular visitor and volunteer at the Avon Free Library. Laurie’s true passion was dancing. Starting out as a majorette, she and her husband would later go on to take the Empire State Round & Square Dancing scene by storm. Many weekends were spent traveling the Country on dancing excursions with countless friends. Laurie loved to play hostess and threw infamous hotel parties. She hosted a “Tree Party” every December bringing family and friends together for an evening of dancing, laughter and holiday magic. She loved to shop and had an iconic style. Laurie was sunshine personified, and her light will forever carry on in our hearts.

A graveside service will be held May 15, 2025, at 12:00pm at the Sampson New York State Veterans Cemetery, Romulus, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Avon Free Library, 143 Genesee St., Avon, NY 14414.