Elinore "Elly" Ross

1937 - 2016

Ross, Elinore Ellyof Winter Park, age 79, died November 6, 2016 after a 19 ½ year long and courageous battle with cancer. Elly was born at ORMC in Orlando in 1937, but was a Navy brat and lived all of her earlier years away. She lived in Hawaii, 7 miles from Pearl Harbor in 1941 and could tell many stories. She and her husband, Ike, went back to Hawaii in 1980 and found the culvert she stayed in for 3 weeks during the infamous attack. Elly attended Cherokee Junior High, Boone High and Orlando Junior College. Her church, Aloma Methodist, was so very important to her having so many incredible, wonderful, loving and caring friends. She was active in various activities. She retired from the City of Winter Park in the Finance Dept after 22 years. After retiring, she and Ike traveled many places in their RV, especially to the gospel singings. She also enjoyed sports very much and was very involved when younger. Elly loved garage sales, estate sales, antiquing and collecting depression glass; stripping and refinishing furniture. In her younger years she enjoyed being a Pink Lady at ORMC and was very active in state and local pharmaceutical auxiliaries. Her fondest years were taking her children to all of their various activities. During her illness, she kept her sweet, kind spirit and tried to stay upbeat, always wearing a smile. Her unfailing faith in God made her a shining example for others. Her determined and courageous spirit was balanced by her compassionate caring for family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Grover "Cotton" and Ruby Powers of Winter Park. She lost her beloved husband, Ike Ross, in 2008 after a 5-year courtship and 33 years of marriage. She is survived by her children, Pamela Peterson and John "Jack" Foster, III, with his wife, Kelly. She was so proud of her grandsons, Corey Peterson and Ryan Foster. She is also survived by her sister, Evelyn Callaway; niece, Debbie Callaway-Fleri, with her husband, Ken, and their children, Ashley, Ben and Chris; nephew, Jimmy Callaway; extended family, Brooks and Judy Callaway and their children, Tracy and Greg. Her family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the doctors, nurses and other staff from & connected to MD Anderson Cancer Center (UFHealth) and VITAS Hospice, and especially to all of her dear friends (and her special caregivers) who showed so much love and support for her and her family through this long journey. We could not have done this without all of you. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 10th from 6pm - 8pm at Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, 1350 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL. A memorial will be held on Friday, November 11th, 3pm at Aloma United Methodist Church, 3045 Aloma, Winter Park, 32792. Elly will be laid to rest in Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, FL.; at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aloma United Methodist Church or VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, 2201 Lucien Way, Ste 100, Maitland, FL 32751. Please sign family guest registry at www.careyhand.com