Juanita Mae Ross

Nita Ross, 87, of Philomath, passed away in Corvallis on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Nita was born in Independence, Oregon on March 16, 1929 to parents Ralph and Hertha (Kruger) Pitman. She grew up in Lyle, Washington. In high school, she met Gordon Ross and on March 5, 1950 they were married in White Salmon, WA. The family moved to Philomath in 1956. In the early 70s, Nita and her family operated the Philomath skating rink for several years. She also worked for the Philomath School District for over 25 years; the majority of that time as the office manager at Philomath High School. She retired in 1993. While working for the school district, Nita also served on numerous committees as well as the union president. Nita was also involved in many community activities. In Philomath Community Services she helped at the Baby Bank, the Food Bank, June’s Kids Closet, the Philomath Gleaners, and the March of Dimes. Nita served multiple terms on the City of Philomath Planning Commission and the Philomath City Council. She was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church. She is survived by husband, Gordon, of Philomath; daughters Carol Mahr and husband Ed of Albany, and Marilyn Ross (deceased fiancé Michael Wooley) of Philomath; grandson Jeff Mahr and partner Lisa Stirnemann of Monmouth; great-granddaughter Alyssa Mahr of Corvallis; in-laws Ron and Connie Ross of Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews. Nita was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Hertha Pitman; in-laws, Fred and Goldie Ross; and brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Delores Pitman. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, May 21st at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St., Philomath, Oregon; with Pastor Jeremy Lucke presiding. A reception will follow. A committal service will then take place at Mt. Union Cemetery, 2987 Mount Union Ave, Philomath, Oregon. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” -Robert Frost In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Philomath Community Services, 260 S. 9th St., PO Box 1334, Philomath, Oregon 97370; (541) 929-2499. Special thanks to Judy and the staff at Holistic Hands Care Adult Foster Home and to Benton Hospice Service for their care and support during this difficult time.

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Juanita Mae Ross

March 16, 1929 - April 27, 2016