Catherine E. Ross

A star on earth, whose brilliance lit all of our lives, now lights the heavens. Catherine Eileen Ross left us unexpectedly on February 5, 2015, but the light she radiated will always illuminate our lives.

Cathy was born on December 28, 1948, in Renton, Washington, to Verne and Jeane Kukuk. A blond-haired, blue-eyed baby girl, she grew up feeling she was adopted until her younger sister, another blue-eyed, towheaded girl, was born. Cathy shined from her youngest days. A cheerful child, she won the affection of all who encountered her, especially two of her grandparents, her Grandpa Kukuk who died of ALS when she was 2 and her Grandma Kukuk who she always held close in her heart.

Cathy practiced being a mom on her little sister, Leanne, 11 years younger, spoiling her with new clothes, shoes and candy (especially red licorice) she purchased with her babysitting money.

In 1964, the family moved to Yakima and Cathy took the town by storm. Her beauty and sparkling personality left the hometown crowd at Davis High School in awe. She won the hearts of everyone as the blond bombshell who cheered for the Davis High School Pirates. Cathy also won the heart of a senior classmate, Dave Ross, whom she married and shared a life with for nearly 45 years.

In 1970, Cathy became a Mom, a role she excelled at. She held her relationships with her sons, Brad and J.D., very dear, offering endless love and support as she kept up with their adventures. Her sons not only considered her a wonderful mother, but also a best friend.

Cathy graduated from beauty school and became a hair stylist, a perfect career for the “cha cha” lady she was. She didn’t work for money – she loved her customers much more than her paycheck.

Cathy was a home decorator long before HGTV made it fashionable. She showed her style and creativity in everything she did, from sewing and knitting, to crafts and home improvement projects. Like her husband, Dave, says, she painted walls rather than washing them!

Cathy’s “playmates,” her grandsons, Wiley and Jaimeson, were the lights of her life. She was a fun Grandma who played Lincoln Logs and stopped what she was doing to read a book or play whatever they wanted. Cathy was spontaneous. She would be relaxing in a chair, but if her kids called for an adventure, Cathy would be ready to go in a moment’s notice. She was meek, but fearless and demonstrated that by accompanying Dave on many adventures.

To share a memory of Cathy, please visit www.keithandkeith.com .