Rebecca P. Ross

Rebecca Pusey Ross passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at the Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury, Maryland at the age of 99. “Becky” was born December 25, 1921, in the home of her parents, the late Thomas H. and Lena Pusey of Salisbury.

Following high school Becky moved to New Jersey where she graduated from the Newark School of Arts in 1942 and later used her skills in artistic design when employed by a local printing business.

On June 20, 1942, Becky married her high school sweetheart, William Vernon Ross. The ceremony was performed in the home where she was born, the same house in which her grandparents had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1912 and where her parents later celebrated theirs in 1952. At the end of WWII when Bill completed his tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, the couple returned to Salisbury.

Very devoted to each other, Becky and Bill were married for 62 years until his untimely death in 2004. They had two daughters. When the girls were growing up, the family enjoyed camping on the beach in Ocean City when tents were allowed, as well as swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, water skiing and other outside activities. After the girls left home, the family continued many of the same activities and frequent excursions together.

Prior to his death, Becky and Bill had an active and wonderful life. They liked spending time together and with friends and shared the same ideals and values that make for a good marriage and Americans. As time allowed, they traveled to Florida in spring and fall, visited relatives, met friends for dinner, danced, listened to music from their era, and served others when they needed their help. They also adored their pet cats and always had at least one in the household. They fed the birds in winter.

Becky was a very gifted and creative individual who liked to plan get-togethers for just about any occasion, whether it be Christmas, birthdays, or holidays. It didn’t matter, as long as everyone had fun. She hosted numerous parties in her home including a bicentennial celebration in 1976 for which she prepared clever invitations. An accomplished seamstress, she designed and sewed period costumes for Bill and her to mark the occasion.

She also relished baking, cooking, flower gardening, photography, crafts, sewing, painting and other art modalities, and submitted entries in these areas to Wicomico Farm and Home Show for many years. Well into her nineties, she had won numerous ribbons and best-in-show trophies.

At the age of ninety-two Becky penned a short story about her two cats and their importance to her and life as a widow. The story was submitted to a national cat magazine.

Becky preferred to be busy all the time, doing the things she liked best, and was determined to overcome health or other obstacles to maintain that ability. She seemed to beat all the odds most of her life. In December, 2020, at the age of 98, she contracted COVID 19, but even then, was able to recover without being hospitalized. She was a remarkable woman who will be missed by those who knew her. Becky’s family would like to thank the staff of the Wicomico Nursing Home for their assistance and compassion during the time she was entrusted to their care.

In addition to her parents and husband, Becky was predeceased by brothers: Thomas H. Pusey, Jr. and Daniel H. Pusey, and one sister: Hannah P. Elzey.

She is survived by daughters Barbara J. Workman [Chris], and Theresa L. Kinhart [George]; grandchildren: Laura A. Kennedy, Ronald D. Moore, and Richard W. Mills; great-grandchildren: Lauren Mills, Mila Johe MacPhee, and Katherine Anne Russo; extended family, Cynthia and Andy Russo; nephew, James Pusey and nieces Pat Peterman and Paulette Pusey.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 2pm at Bounds Funeral Home on East Main Street in Salisbury where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Parsons Cemetery.

The family request that any contributions offered in memory of Becky Ross be made to the Wicomico Humane Society, 5130 Citation Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.

Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.