Beulah Mae "Mom" Ross

Beulah Mae ''Mom'' ROSS, Age 102 passed away on September 21, 2006, at Westover, 23 days before her 103rd birthday. She was born on October 14, 1903, in Wagersville, Kentucky, the eldest child of Elbert Turner and Carrie (Thomas) Collins. She was educated in a one-room school where her father was the teacher. In a quote from her memoirs written on her 91st birthday - October 14, 1994, states, "It was a very good school, small, but we were taught reading, writing, math, spelling, civics, history, and that we should treat others as we would like to be treated. We had the Ten Commandments posted on the wall and always said the Pledge of Allegiance and read a Bible verse at the beginning of each day," On December 18, 1920, she and Barnett Ross were married in Jeffersonville, Indiana, when they eloped by horseback from her home. (Barnett's car would have been too noisy.) Barnett's profession was drilling oil and gas wells in eastern Kentucky which did not lend itself toward their future plans to have a family and in 1923, they moved to a farm in the Milford Township (Jericho) area of Butler County, then later to another farm on the edge of Somerville during which time a daughter, Imogene, and sons, Norman B. and Ernest Barton were born. For several years she was employed as Cafeteria Manager at the Somerville School in the Talawanda District and is still remembered by many former students as well as her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews as "Mom" Ross. Former students told her recently how much they enjoyed the wonderful apple crisp she prepared at Somerville School. Also a talented seamstress, she created beautiful garments for her family and herself, including tailored dresses as well as wedding gowns. Throughout their lives, "Mom" and "Dad" were always available for their family and friends. While it wasn't always easy, she loved the life on the farm and after moving to Hamilton in 1972, was seen much of the time working in her yard and flower garden, even in her later years. An excellent cook, she and "Dad" Ross took great pleasure in having large family gatherings on Sunday afternoons in the summer where a sumptuous meal was enjoyed, prepared by "Mom" with dessert of homemade ice cream, cakes and pies served in the large front yard under a tall pine tree on the farm in Somerville. The children played in the creek, rode the tractor and pony, and fed the animals. Becoming a Christian as a child of eleven in a small country cchurch near her home, church and family were the center of her life. After moving to Butler County, she and Barnett became members of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton (then downtown on Court Street) where she became more active after moving to Hamilton in 1972 following the death of Barnett. Among other activities, she served as Deaconess, on the Pulpit Committee, as well as taking the opportunity to become a better student of the Bible - a lifetime pursuit. During her years in Somerville, the Somerville Methodist Church was also an important part of her life, where she participated actively as a Sunday School teacher and in other positions of service. A very special need was filled following her move to Hamilton by the ladies luncheon group of friends, whose similar situations in many cases, bound them together in celebrating birthdays, etc. in many restaurants in the area. Some may recall her driving the ladies in her white Thunderbird. The matriarch of not only her immediate family but also her extended family of nieces and nephews, she was known as a strong, independent and "take charge" lady until the end, making it somewhat difficult to adjust to relinquishing some of her independence when it became necessary at age 101. An avid reader, she remained knowledgeable of local, national and world affairs. She never missed the opportunity of exercising her right to vote since becoming eligible the year President Coolidge was elected. She is survived by a daughter, Imogene (Charles) Rumpler of Oxf

Tributes

Beulah Mae "Mom" Ross

September 21, 2006