Karen L. Ross

Karen L. Ross, 68, of Smithville, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, October 3, 2025, following a period of declining health.
Born on September 23, 1957, in Orrville, Karen was the daughter of the late Dean and Betty (Troxell) Woods. She attended Dalton High School and later married the love of her life, Harold McKinley Ross, Jr., on November 2, 1974, in Smithville. They shared 47 years together before Harold's passing in 2021.
Karen dedicated 20 years of her career to Kohl's, where she served as a Replenishment Supervisor before retiring in 2005. Outside of work, her life was centered on her faith, family, and creative pursuits. A devoted member of Wooster Apostolic Pentecostal Church, she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and sharing her love of Scripture.
Her many passions included flower gardening, floral arranging, sewing, crafting, scrapbooking, and journaling. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially reading her Bible and spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Karen is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Stephanie (Jonathan) Putnam of Mansfield; her son, George (Kristen) Ross of Smithville; and five cherished grandchildren: Bryceton Wilson, Lacey Ross, Kiersten Ross, Brooklyn Ross, and Abby Ross. She is also survived by her sisters, Debbie (Ron) Lewis of Marshallville and Marnita (Dennis) Stanford of Canton.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold; her parents; two grandchildren, Faith and Braydon Wilson; and her brothers, Rick and Mike Woods.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville. A service celebrating Karen's life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Troy Wooten. She will be laid to rest at Smithville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691, or online at www.ohioshospice.org/give.