Mary Lee Catherine Ross

Mary Lee Catherine (Boyle) Ross, age 90, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in the Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum with Reverend Gary Caster officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  Pallbearers will be her children.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.

Mary was born November 3, 1930 in Keokuk, Iowa.  She married James Ross on February 15, 1958.  He preceded her in death on November 28, 1991.  Mary was a loving sister to Annie and Jane who both preceded her in death.  She was a proud mom to her six biggest supporters, Jeanne Balber of Bourbonnais, Daniel (Jerri K) of Iowa, Kevin (Sherri) of Iowa, Robert (Michelle) of Monticello, Marianne (Scott) Wold of Ottawa and Donna (Michael) Hall of Ottawa.  She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Ryan (Becky) Balber, Jennifer (Izzy) Vallejo, Matthew Balber (Felicia), Landon, Katherine, Michael and Benjamin Ross, Courtney Groves, Chelsi Ross, Libby (Alec) Macko, Andrew Wold (Kayla Knobloch) and her bonus grandchildren, Morgan and Evan Hall.  She is also survived by several great grandchildren.

Mary Lee was a member of St. Patrick’s Church.  She enjoyed her Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Hour for many years.  She worked secretarial and clerical jobs through the years.  She enjoyed praying the rosary, listening to music while cleaning her house.  She and Donna took a bus trip from St. Pat’s to Chicago for many years.  She had an unwavering sense of faith which was an inspiration to those who knew her.  She loved dogs and enjoyed many family dogs through the years.  She always had treats and a warm couch for all of her visiting grandpups.  She grew up on the Southside of Chicago and was very proud of her Irish Heritage.  She loved St. Patrick’s Day, the White Sox and her many political shows.  She looked forward to planting flowers every spring and caring for them all summer.  She enjoyed a good Bloody Mary whether at Berta’s with Donna or the Christmas Eve Celebrations.  The last few years her favorite things to do were go for walks at Oakwood Memorial Park and sit at Alan Park.  She loved to feed the geese and watch the boats.  More than anything she loved family get togethers.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.