Born on a farm in Blue Rapids, Kansas just in time for the Great Depression, she was one of the many Americans who actually wore flour sack and sugar sack dresses. When she came of age she married and in 1956 she moved to San Diego where she raised two boys; J. Michael and Tavis Ross. She worked for the San Diego City Schools custodial department, which she retired from after 35 years of service.
After a divorce from her first husband she met the love of her life Robert J. Higgins and together they spent many happy years traveling, playing cards and billiards, and spending time with their friends and family of which they had many.
She is preceded in death by her son Tavis Ross and husband Robert J. Higgins. She is survived by her son J. Michael Ross and daughter in law Rhona Gold, along with 4 grandchildren; Ian Ross, Cassie Salinas, Cody Ross and Jesse Ross, and 9 great grandchildren; Julain, Layla, Desmond, Naomi, Miles, Teddy, Tavis, Ruby, and her namesake Mary .