Velma “Jean” Ross – 96

Velma “Jean” Ross – 96

Velma “Jean” Ross passed away on Oct. 27, 2021, due to complications of old age. Jean was born on Jan. 2, 1925, at the family farm in Colon, Mich. to Samuel A. and Phoebe L. (Culp) Smiley. She was the youngest of four children.

On Nov. 27, 1946, in Fairbanks, Alaska, she married the love of her life Harry W. Ross who was enlisted in the US Army. For the next 25 years of Harry’s military career they traveled throughout Alaska, Europe and the states until he retired in 1960 and they settled in Hayden, Idaho.

Jean worked as a bank teller and teller trainer in Coeur d’Alene for several years before she retired from banking. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and especially with her roses, painting landscapes and spending time with her two children, Samuel W. and Cathy L. Ross (Sprouse).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her three siblings, Irene (Hibbard, Moore) Smiley, LaMoine (Steininger) Smiley, her brother Kenneth Smiley, her son, Samuel W. and her husband Harry W. Ross.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Cathy Sprouse and husband Dale; daughter-in-law, Donna (Bayne) Ross; Scott Ross, and wife Liz; Bradford Ross and wife Jen; Chelsea Nahalea and husband Larry; Leanne Whittenburg and husband Wes; stepdaughter Sue Reid and her husband Scott, their two children Jeff and Scott Reid and Scott’s wife Jean. Also, great-grandchildren Owen and Adaline Ross; Ethan, Ella and Caitlyn Ross; Kayden and Gabriella Nahalea; her niece, Ann (Hibbard) Pursley; and nephew, Jerry Smiley and wife Cynthia.

At Jean’s request there be no service, however anyone wishing to, may donate to the

Shriners Hospital on her behalf. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Jean’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.