Rosemary Ross was born in Helena on April 14, 1936 to Earl and Ruth Ramsey. She passed away August 21, 2017 at Renaissance Senior Care. Rosemary was one of six children. She discovered one of her true passions early in life attending movies at the Marlowe Theater. Her favorite movies included classic movies, musicals, and old westerns. She also enjoyed reading mysteries and doing crossword puzzles.
Growing up she attended catholic schools graduating from Saint Helena High School (Cathedral High). She was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, attending mass every Saturday with sister-in-law Dorris Dietzen. Following high school she married James Ross and worked at Mountain Bell Telephone Company until starting their family. She also enjoyed socializing with friends and family, both here in Montana as well as in Arizona, where they spent several winters. She was also well known for anything chocolate and all things purple.
She is survived by her brother and sister and their spouses; David (MaryLynn) Ramsey; Lorena (Jerry) Taylor; three children and their spouses, Earl (Amy), John (Tami), and Lisa; and four grandchildren Raven and Brandy Wade and Ian and Kierney Ross.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Earl and Ruth Ramsey, sisters Ruth Lemon and Pat Freemen, and brother Earl Ramsey.
The family would like to thank the staff of Renaissance Senior Care for the love and support they offered our mother.
There will be a viewing and the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 29th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Funeral Mass will be 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, August 30th at St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue, Helena. A reception will follow the service at the Church. Burial will follow the reception at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend. The family requests everyone wear purple in honor of Rosemary, as it was her favorite color. Memorial donations may be sent to Saint Mary Catholic Community. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rosemary.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday August 29, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 PM
Wednesday August 30, 2017
St Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
To follow the funeral mass
Wednesday August 30, 2017
St Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
To follow the reception
Wednesday August 30, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday August 29, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 PM
Wednesday August 30, 2017
St Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
To follow the funeral mass
Wednesday August 30, 2017
St Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
To follow the reception
Wednesday August 30, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Diane Haun says
I’m so sorry to hear your Mom passed. She was always so cheerful and happy…maybe never on time, but that was just part of her charm! I remember when she and your Dad got married. I was probably around five years old. She looked like a fairy princess to me. She had the puffiest skirt on her wedding dress. All of us little kids were gathered on the floor at her feet watching her open wedding gifts at Grandma Ramsey’s. I crept forward and lifted her skirt to see what made it stand up and be so puffy. My mother was appalled and I got a smack for it but your Mom just laughed. I think a few years later she gave us those crinoline slips to play dress up with. She was such a sweetheart. I know you’ll miss her dearly.
Linda Carlson McDermott Braun says
Rosemary and I were childhood friends since Day #1. Here parents bought my grandather’s house at 916 N. Warren, which he’d built in 1908. I was raised in the original Carlson home next door at 918 N. Warren. Rosemary and I went through measles, mumps, etc. together and even bathed together in the huge tub my grandfather had installed in the “new” house. We played on the very large cotton wood trees in both our front yards. I remember going trick or treating one Halloween with Rosemary, and when we opened the storm door on the porch of the corner brick house, a pail of cold water was tipped over on us. The lady who lived there was an old spinster and had no love for children. She received an earful from my mother and Mrs. Ramsey (Ruth). Rosemary always wore a smile and her good-naturedness was contagious. I’m sorry I lost touch with her in later years. She was a special lady.
Walter Woods says
So sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing, All of out thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Pam Ramsey Weeks says
I’m so sorry to hear of Rosemary’s passing. She was such a big part of my childhood, and always made me laugh. I’ve never known anyone who had a bigger smile and sense of humor. She lived her life in the most beautiful part of our country – Helena! Goodbye dear Rosemary, I’ll see you again in Heaven.