Vickie Lynne Ross

Vickie L. Ross of Alden, Michigan, age 73, bravely lost her battle with liver cancer on Monday, March 17, 2025, in the comfort of her home. She was born to Joseph and Rosella Smith on April 16, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan. On June 19, 1981, Vickie married Thomas Ross.

Vickie attended St. Benedicts Catholic School, Pierce Junior High and graduated from Waterford Township High School in 1969. She went on to Central Michigan University, earning her B.S. in 1973 and her Masters of Arts in English Literature 1982. Vickie was a teacher in three different school districts. She finished her career as a high school English teacher in Bellaire for 20 years.

Vickie was an avid reader and loved the printed word. She read, experienced and collected books and articles from all types of literature, and enjoyed discussing them and sharing them with her friends and family. She loved imparting that love and respect of literature to her students.

Vickie loved nature. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, walking and boating. She appreciated raw, natural beauty and was active with organizations dedicated to preserving our local land and natural habitats. She and Tom also loved to travel, they enjoyed visiting new locations in Michigan, the continental U.S. and abroad.

Vickie’s greatest love was for her family and friends. She made it a priority to spend meaningful time with those she loved. She sent intentional gifts and cards, making each person feel cherished and special. She appreciated and made the most of her time, whether it was in front of the fireplace with Tom, or traveling with friends.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ron Smith in 2022, her sister-in-law, Julie Anne Ross in 2023, and her daughter-in-law Shawna Ross in 2022.

Vickie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Thomas R. Ross of Alden, two step-sons, Brian (Sarah) Ross of Lake Ann, Bradley Ross of Port Huron, two brothers, Mark (Sue) Smith of Waterford and Greg (Faye) Smith of Milford, sister-in-law Darlene Smith of Mears, brother-in-law Dan (Jan) Ross of Portage, Grandchildren Kurt Ross, Brett (Morgan) Ross, Sean (Taylor) Ross, Lauren Ross, Thomas Ross, Sampson Ross, Great Grandson Jaxon Ross, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Mortensen Funeral Home in Mancelona on Friday, March 28th from 4-7:30pm, with a community rosary at 7:30pm.

Funeral services will be March 29th at 11am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Mancelona. Interment will be at a later date and time.

The family would like to invite everyone to a luncheon immediately after the funeral service, in St. Anthony’s church in the lower level.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Munson Home Hospice”, mailed to MHCF, 1150 Medical Campus, Traverse City, MI 49684 or to “Bellaire Public Schools Greatest Educations Needs Fund”, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 718, East Jordan, MI 49727.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.