Ellen S. Ross

Ellen S. Ross

Virginia Beach - Ellen S. Ross, peacefully passed from life to eternal life in the early hours of September 10, 2014 at her Virginia Beach home.



A proud Army brat, Ellen was born on April 8, 1944 in Wilmington, NC to Major Olie A. Strickland and her beloved mother Eleanor S. Strickland. From a very young age, Ellen made the most of life and was committed to helping others. She was multi-talented and never afraid to try news things. From flying remote controlled airplanes with her dad, to ballet and beauty pageants, Ellen seemed to do it all! She traveled and lived all over the world from places like Texas and California to Germany and Japan. Ellen attended Bel Air High School in El Paso, Texas, and continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi and Texas Tech University. She completed her nursing training at Leigh Memorial Hospital where she specialized in emergency room nursing. She continued to work as a nurse for 30 years.



Ellen was a fun-loving people-person who possessed a deep and generous faith. She rejoiced in her family, and she found the roles of wife, mother, grandmother and friend especially fulfilling. Where some people make friends, Ellen made family! Ellen will no doubt be remembered as a mentor and life guide to many, for she drew from her life experiences to help whomever she could. Her nurturing spirit was also extended to countless animals in need that she raised and cared for as though they were her children. All those whose paths crossed hers found light and blessing for their journeys.

Ellen is survived by her husband Bruce Ross, her daughter MaryEllen Mackay Welch and her husband Brent Kreider, and their children Z, Delanie, Jake and Zac. Ellen is also survived by her husband's family Rebecca McAhren, Christina McLain, and Mike Ross.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, where we will celebrate and rejoice in the gift of her life.