Blanche Ross
In Loving Memory of Blanche Lillian Ross
September 29, 1935 – July 15, 2025
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” – Proverbs 31:28
With great sorrow and even greater love, we celebrate the life of our cherished matriarch Blanche Lillian Ross, who transitioned peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of her family. She was 89 years old.
Born in Fayette, Mississippi on September 29, 1935, to Charles Edward Ross and Cora Mae Ross, Blanche was a woman of complete selflessness, enduring faith, compassion, grace and remarkable sense of humor. She was the beloved sister of Anna Kelly and was previously married. She has been sent home to the Lord to rejoin all of those mentioned above.
Blanche pursued education at both business and nursing schools and went on to live a life defined by service and strength, and always promoting doing the right thing. Everyone loved mom’s old-fashion southern cooking. She was proud to have worked at the iconic Marshall Field’s in Chicago, among other endeavors that showcased her dignity and drive. She had exquisite taste and loved her collection of fine jewelry, hats and sunglasses. Her She prided herself on her penmanship, loved to read, and was a huge fan of Jimmy Swaggart’s music.
She was a pillar of love, humor and wisdom for her eleven children: Sandra, Andre, Miranda (deceased), Rosalind (Tod), Antoinette, Alicia, Liza (Clarence), Ulysses, Ruby (Charles), Anthony, and Zachary. Her unwavering love also embraced her grandchildren: Antonio, Nina, Alex, Rosita, Sandra Sommer, Matthew, Andre Jr., Tameka, Gabriel, Jennifer, Porsha, Angelina, Dakota, Brian, Zachary, Marshall, Clarence Jr., Jessica, Ulysses III (deceased), Anlondria, Liana, Kyle, Ariana, Christian, and Chloe. As well as a host of great-grandchildren: Amina, Anthony, Amirah, Mariyah, Jeniyah, Kristian, Anari, Julez, Nazir, Dynasty, Gio’Vonnie, R’Monnie, R’Reanna, VJ, Danny, Amerah, Haven, Maisley, iZack, Kash, kace, Khari, Kyro, Lloyd, Caleb, Caiden, Camille and Carli.
A true survivor in every sense, and a person that would give you her last of anything, Blanche lived a life of grace—anchored in God, family, and purpose. Her home was a sanctuary and gathering place for all of her family, her presence a blessing. Her uncanny humor, charitable spirit, wisdom and love shaped generations, and was the thread that bound them all.
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Memorial Service
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Casey & Rios Funeral Home
4540 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Burial to follow at:
Rosehill Cemetery
5800 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL
12:30 p.m.
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Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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Forever loved. Forever missed.
Rest well, we love you Mom.