Frances Williams Ross

Frances Williams Ross, 91, the wife of Ben Ross of Maryville, TN and the daughter of Deck and Zeora Williams, passed away October 25, 2011. Her parents, son, Christopher Ross and brother, John Williams predeceased her. Frances was born in Pennsylvania, moved to West Virginia where her father taught school and then due to her father’s health came to Tennessee. She worked at Oak Ridge during the war and then attended Maryville College. After marrying Ben, she became involved in his work at Ross Brother’s Grocery, managed the gift wrap department of Proffitt’s Department Store and in her spare time was a gourmet cook, clothing designer, musician, avid reader and good friend to many. Frances and Ben traveled by plane and train in Europe and by camper in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They spent winters in Texas and Florida returning to Tennessee each spring to visit their friends, to garden and to enjoy the square dance club. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ben Ross; two sons, Elden of Virginia and John of Oregon; five grandchildren, Aaron, Tiffany, Andrew, Winston and Wesley; one great granddaughter, Olivia; and by daughters-in-law, Diane, Deborah and Nell. She was a beloved wife, mother and friend and will be missed by all. The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 4, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home.