Connie Kay Ross

Connie Kay Ross (King) July 12, 1940 – Dec. 11, 2025 Connie Kay Ross was born July 12, 1940, in Junction City, Oregon, to Alton Robert King and Catherine Emma King (Kundert). She was joined in life by her younger sister, Rita, in 1944. Connie spent much of her life in Bellfountain, Oregon, with her final decades in Corvallis. Connie grew up fast but never grew bitter. After losing her father to his work in Alsea Bay at 13 — a loss that left her mother overwhelmed by mental illness — she, too, found herself navigating turbulent waters. She married young, left school early, and welcomed four children by age 19. She continued finding her way and, in doing so, became an anchor for those around her. Even as she faced additional hardships — injuries, illnesses, and the complicated heartache life too often brings, including the loss of her husband, mother, two sons and many others she loved — she never became hardened. Instead, with her faith in God as a guide, she carried on, sharing grace and love with those around her and meeting the world with a quiet confidence (or what some would call stubborn persistence) that made her seem capable of anything she set her mind and hands to. Connie devoted herself to many hobbies, jobs and roles: swimming, fishing, watching baseball and beekeeping; driving bus; keeping house; and caring for others. One of her favorites was serving as the house cook for the OSU chapter of Delta Tau Delta for 14 years. But she will be remembered most for her generosity and beaming smile, a symbol of her love. Her greatest joy was tending to her family. She took the same approach with them that she did with her garden — with a deep commitment (and gifted green thumb) that always seemed to yield an unbelievable bounty. She expressed love through cookies and candies and popcorn balls; through crocheted scarves and mended clothes, and small treasures tucked into palms; through garden advice, recipes to try, and just the right words — often accompanied by a steady hand on the back. She was slow to judge and quick to love. She cheered without calling attention, corrected without shaming, and encouraged without entitling. She had a rare way of making those she loved feel capable — and, more than that, worthy, valued and supported — even on the days they were sure they weren’t, or felt they didn’t deserve to be. She forgave endlessly, meeting even the hardest moments with grace and an open heart. Even as her health declined, Connie continued to show those around her who she was. Though acts of service became more difficult, her smile, laugh and presence spoke clearly of her love. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Alton (1954) and Catherine King (2004); her husband, Roger Ross (1998); her sons Robert Ross (2006) and Clarence “Kenny” Ross (2010); and her companion, John Earley (2019). She is survived by her daughter Peggy Lee (Ross) and husband Peter; her son Gordon Ross and wife Tresa; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, through whom she will continue to share her love and warmth — in every cookie baked, every seed sown, every meal shared and every grace freely given. A memorial will be held Jan. 31 from 1-3 p.m. at Bellfountain School. The family wishes to thank Signature Hospice Care, especially Carolyn, Erin, Laura, Sandy and Tim. Sympathies may be sent to the attention of Doug Beamer at McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Oregon Special Olympics.

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Connie Kay Ross

July 12, 1940 - December 11, 2025