Johann W. Ross

Johann W. Ross (nee Whitcomb), age 86, passed away on October 24. She and her husband Paul W. Ross celebrated 65 years of marriage this past August.

Following her graduation from Quinnipiac College, Johann and Paul were married in her hometown of Branford, Connecticut. While they began their married life in New Haven, CT and Princeton, NJ, their family life took root and blossomed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where they moved in 1969 with their three young boys, Paul, Thomas, and Robert and shortly thereafter adopted their daughter Susan from South Korea. Johann took wonderful care of her four children and husband and is fondly remembered for fostering childhoods rich in outdoor adventure, creative exploration, and encouraged independence. A wonderful cook, Johann hosted warm family gatherings throughout her life.

Johann enjoyed working part-time as a medical assistant for dermatology practices in Lancaster before retiring with Paul to Coastal Delaware in the early 2000s where they enjoyed building rich friendships and expanding their world travels. They moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, PA in 2023 where they received love and care from the health care team for which their family is very grateful.

She was a founding member of St. Edwards Episcopal Church in Lancaster and a long-time member of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach, DE. She was godmother to Lisa Whitcomb and Melissa (Whitcomb) Napier.

She was preceded in death by her father John Whitcomb, her mother Edith Whitcomb and her brothers Richard and David Whitcomb.

In addition to her husband, Paul, Johann is survived by her four children, Paul Ross (Carol) of Palm Desert, CA; Thomas Ross (Erin Heilig) of Wilmington, DE; Robert Ross (Susan M.) of Williamsport, PA; and Susan E. Ross (Douglas Cates) of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren whom she adored, Benjamin Ross (Tessa) of Boulder, CO; Ian (Alexandra) Ross of Aptos, CA; Samuel Ross of Seattle, WA; Spencer Ross of San Francisco, CA; and Alexander Cates of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren Jackson Ross, Elle Ross, and Brooke Ross plus her grand-niece namesake Abbey Johann Whitcomb-Taylor.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Masonic Charities for Hospice Care" c/o Masonic Village, Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.