Barbara ”Bobby” Ross, long time Palisades resident and advocate, dies at 89. Bobby Ross died peacefully at home Monday, June 20th surrounded her family and loved ones. Bobby and her family moved to the Palisades in 1950. Her sons attended Palisades Grammar School and attended Pali High.
Bobby Ross created “family” with anyone who was lucky enough to know her. Making her laugh brought joy to all around her. She was feisty but always with a sense of humor. A trademark smile, and boundless enthusiasm made her a hard person to forget.
She worked unselfishly to bring love and hope to ones who might not be able to fend for themselves. She taught us all the meaning of grit, perseverance and love, but was never one to sing her own praises.
After moving to Longmeadow, Massachusetts briefly in the 1960’s, she gave birth to her third son, Willie. He was born profoundly deaf and because of a lack of services, she and other parents mobilized to meet the needs of their deaf children. The Willie Ross School for the Deaf was born of that effort. Years later, and having returned to the Palisades, Bobby again found an absence of services for Willie and others with autism and other disabilities. The Willie Ross Foundation was formed in 1982 and operated 2 group homes servicing the entire San Fernando Valley. The Foundation now provides ongoing support with living expenses for Willie and his 5 housemates.
Bobby Ross was a Champion of people who had no champion. She would spend hours taking phone calls from strangers who were at a loss on how to care for their disabled child. All calls were met with a warm, patient and caring voice.
Over the years she and her late husband Gene “Bud” Ross not only nurtured their own family but built a remarkably eclectic, loving and extended family. Her impromptu get-togethers were a simple testament to the love she gave to the world. July 4th was a yearly party festival at her home. Being part of the warm and family environment, no one could wait for the next year to arrive with Bobby at the helm. Once anyone discovered the warmth of this family environment, they couldn’t wait for the next year to arrive with Bobby at the helm. She will b missed
She is survived by her sons Michael, Robert (Rob), William (Willie) and Stevens; grandchildren Lindsy Junger, Skyler and Zachary Ross, and Chasen Ross; sisters Teddy Gaston and Nancy Kerner Sidenberg.
Bobby is now reunited with her husband Gene, the love of her life.
A private memorial service will be held 1:00pm, July 9th at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village, Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Avenue, CA 90024
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Willie Ross Foundation The address is: The Willie Ross Foundation, Business Office, 22048 Sherman Way, Suite 101, Canoga Park CA, 91303.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
