Marylyn Ann Ross

Marylyn was born on April 30, 1938, in Caledonia, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, where she spent her early years. She was the daughter of Rev. LeRoy E. and Martha Chamberlain.

In the spring of 1951, Marylyn moved with her family to Owosso, Michigan. During this chapter of her life, she completed her high school years, graduating in 1956 as a member of the Honor Society. She then earned a business degree and pursued a career with First of Michigan. It was in Owosso where she met the love of her life, Douglas L. Ross. They were married in 1960, and in the fall of 1962, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Doug pursued his medical degree at Kansas City University. While in Kansas City, Marylyn continued her business career, working in the trust department of First National Bank of Kansas City.

Upon Doug’s graduation from KCU and completion of further training, the family moved to Grosse Pointe Park, where Marylyn and Doug raised their three children: Douglas Jr., Christopher, and Jennifer. Marylyn thrived in Grosse Pointe and was deeply involved in the community through her children’s sports and school activities. She was an active board member of the Grosse Pointe Historical Society and served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the former Mount Clemens Regional Hospital, now a McLaren facility. She was also very active in her church and women’s group at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church.

Marylyn was a devoted mother, friend, and family member. She had a passion for gardening, decorating, and entertaining. Her signature holiday parties and dinners delighted both family and guests. Many members of her family were influenced by her sense of taste and style; she became a lifelong model for them. Her love of history was again reflected when she and Doug purchased the oldest brick house in Grosse Pointe, the Wardwell House, in 1984. Preserving the home as a Grosse Pointe landmark was one of her greatest passions.

Marylyn is survived by her husband, Dr. Douglas L. Ross; her three children: son Douglas Ross Jr. of St. Clair Shores and his son, Douglas C. Ross; son Christopher (Chrissy) Ross of Macomb, Michigan, and his children Adam, Lauren, and Megan, along with two step-grandchildren, Pierce and Brooke; and daughter Jennifer (John) Strabel of Castle Rock, Colorado, and their children Johnny, William, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Duane Ross (Elaine), sister-in-law Dianne (Chas) Lyons, brother-in-law Joseph (Missy) Ross, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, brothers Charles and Edison, and sisters Kathleen and Joyce.

Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods on Friday, January 23, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, 211 Moross, at 11:00 a.m., with an Instate beginning at 10:00 AM.

Memorials in honor of Marylyn may be made to the Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church Music Department, www.gpumc.org/give/.