Mary Bonnie Ross of Houston passed away suddenly January 17, 2013 at her home in Montrose.
She was born July 1, 1955 in Dumas, Texas and raised in Stratford, Tx. She graduated from Freeport High School and Texas State University at San Marcos. After a stint as an intern to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, DC, she became a certified Legal Assistant and worked with women in half-way houses seeking to integrate into mainstream life.
She taught social studies, history and Special Education in the Houston Independent School District, most recently at the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. She was a teacher of Laughter Yoga at the Houston Main Library downtown.
In addition to teaching, she devoted decades to improving her community through citizen activism in several organizations and causes-Houston Non-Violent Action, Houston Peace and Justice Center, Green Party, animal protection, community gardens, and many others. A committed environmentalist, she did not own a car and regardless of weather, biked, walked or took the bus.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Lee Ross, mother, Dorothy Walker Ross and sister, Jean Anne Ross-Smith. She is survived by brother and sister-in-law Allan Ross and Sallie Charlton Ross, brother-in-law, Ned Smith, nieces Susannah Ross, Mary Ross and husband Michael Grega, and nephew Sam Ross and Monette Quitlong, great-nieces Isabelle Ross and Blythe Grega, cousins Dolly Wilson, Kay Hanggie and Douglas Walker, countless friends and two cats.
Please send any memorials in her name to: Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive Houston, Texas 77024. Letters of condolences may be sent to c/o Allan Ross, 811 Lovett, #25, Houston, Tx, 77006. A funeral will be held in the Spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bonnie had an incredibly deep mind, but had a way of sharing ideas in succinct thought bites. She was an inspiration, she never complained, she wrote a play, she will be missed.
Colleen Obrien
February 9, 2013
Bonnie was a dear friend and I always enjoyed spending time with her. She had the sweetest personality and a tender heart. I loved her very much and I will miss her. Until we meet again, Bonnie!
Andrea Slaton
February 8, 2013
I worked with Ms. Ross at LECJ. She and I had little time to interact, but when we did I always left our time together commenting how awesome a woman she was. She enjoyed updating me on her family, her brother and her niece, and her cats. You have been missed since you retired Ms. Ross and you will be missed even more now that you are no longer on this earth. Blessings to all you touched with your life.
Kym Riggins
February 6, 2013
As a former student i had the chance to get accquainted with her... She was a nice calm and collective person that botherd nobody...She was very eco friendly....you will truely be missed RIP MS.ROSS
Troy Williams
February 4, 2013
I was saddened when I heard about the passing of Bonnie Ross. She was a very kind person to all we teachers who shared the second floor at HSLECJ. I will always remember Bonnie as a happy and peaceful person. I was truly blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathy to her brother and family.
Anna Garcia
February 4, 2013
Ms. Ross was a great teacher. Patient, devoted and understanding. She will be greatly missed and I will always remember her as the easy going, kind teacher that rode her bike to school. She really did help me and I will always appreciate and remember that. Thank you, Ms. Ross. RIP and to her family, thank you for sharing her with the world.
C/o 06
Christina Limon
February 4, 2013
As a former student of Ms. Ross, I am deeply moved by the passing of her life. But we, living, must be reminded that there is a time and season for everything and this was her's. I reflect back on our general talks in class about our cats and the humors things they would do. I close by saying, give people there flowers while they are alive and let them see the love in your heart; without the words of your tongue. My prayers are with the Ross family through this time and may God bless you.
Michael T. Curl (student c/o '11)
February 4, 2013
My Thoughts and prayers go out to the Family, friends and former students who had her class in HSLECJ. The world lost a good person.
Joseph Araiza
February 3, 2013
I knew Mary for several years but, sadly, I lost touch. I enjoyed visiting with her because she always had a smile on her face and because she had great insight into our world. Though I am saddened now, I also have a smile on my face remembering her lovable sense of humor.
Randy Green
February 3, 2013
Mrs. Ross was my teacher in high school. she was a great teacher and so devoted. I will never forget her. RIP mrs. ross
espe torres
February 3, 2013
Ms. Ross was my teacher at HSLECJ. She was so sweet and caring.I never knew of all the great contributions she gave to us all. My heart is truly saddened. Im sure she will be tremendously missed.
Many Blessings
Amber Everett
Amber Everett
February 3, 2013
You have my sincere condolences, Ms. Ross will certainly be missed. I will cherish the memories of having her as a neighbor across the hall on the second floor at HSLECJ.
Jessica Nolly
February 3, 2013
She was such a great person, not only in class, but every time I'd see her outside on her bike it reminded me how great of an example she was setting. She was my freshman geography teacher, now I look back and I'm so glad I left her a kind note in 2007 apologizing for any students misbehavior that may have stressed her. I'm sure all her students will miss her deeply. My sympathy goes to all her loved ones, and may everyone learn from her daily lifestyle, it was truly giving. I will never forget Ms. Ross' class.
Alma Robles
February 3, 2013
She was such a great person, not only in class, but every time I'd see her outside on her bike it reminded me how great of an example she was setting. She was my freshman geography teacher, now I look back and I'm so glad I left her a kind note in 2007 apologizing for any students misbehavior that may have stressed her. I'm sure all her students will miss her deeply. My sympathy goes to all her loved ones, and may everyone learn from her daily lifestyle, it was truly giving. I will never forget Ms. Ross' class.
Alma Robles
February 3, 2013
Bonnie lived a life of compassion motivated by a genuine concern for others. She was unflagging in her courage to speak out in support of creating a world based on the selflessness she practiced. Bonnie was one of the best people I have known. And knowing Bonnie, she wouldn't want anyone to be sad about her passing, she'd just hope others would be motivated to follow the example she tried to set and find the courage to speak out for the things that matter most. My heart goes out to all of her friends and family.
Mari Nicholson-Preuss
February 3, 2013
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