Phyllis Dianne Ross

Phyllis (Berens) Ross, 80, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away after a long journey with Parkinson's disease, surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She will be forever cherished and remembered.
Phyllis was born on July 16, 1945, in Hays, Kansas, to the late Louis and Clara (Younger) Berens.
Phyllis graduated with honors from Fort Hays State University with an A.B. in English. She received many collegiate awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Senior Woman on Campus, several award nominations from Delta Zeta Sorority, Homecoming Princess, and scholastic achievements. She was an English teacher at Highland Junior High School and Oak Park High School in the Kansas City area and loved American literary classics.
She married Norman Ross on August 22, 1971, and they made Kansas City, Missouri, their first home together. Her husband's work with Southwestern Bell took the family through many different moves across the country. Phyllis was involved with local Delta Zeta Alumnae Chapters in various officer positions and Alumnae Panhellenic leadership roles everywhere the family lived. She was a past national officer for Delta Zeta Sorority, won the Delta Zeta ACHOTH Award, the Delta Zeta Outstanding Initiate Award for her home chapter at Fort Hays State University, and the Austin Alumnae Panhellenic Woman of the Year.
Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. People recognized her for her friendliness, organized approach to life, and witty humor. Phyllis was an avid antiques collector and became an interior designer after specialized training. She decorated residential and commercial locations throughout the country, and her designs are beloved in many spaces. She collected antique Flow Blue china, English traditional furniture, and brass candlesticks. As an accomplished seamstress, Phyllis created needlework designs, purses, pillows, slipcovers, draperies, and ornaments.
She was also a longtime member of the Girl Scouts, and her daughter and granddaughter have also followed her example in Girl Scouts leadership. As a gourmet cook, Phyllis often welcomed friends and neighbors, hosting memorable dinner parties.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Anne Ross-Weldy and son-in-law, Brandon Weldy; sister Patty Fitzgerald; brothers Joe Berens and Tony Berens; grandchildren Grace and Colin Weldy; along with many treasured cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Delores Eckert, and her husband of 52 years, Norman "Bud" Ross.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 15th, at Hutchens-Stygar Funeral & Cremation Center in Cottleville, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 1-2 pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Phyllis Ross to the American Parkinson's Disease Association Missouri or to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.