Alana Gail Ross

Alana Gail Ross passed away at her home in Kirkland, WA, on April 27, 2017 at the age of 61. Gail was born in Seattle on December 27, 1955. She was the second of three children born to Arthur Ross and Edith Nan Ross. Gail grew up in San Diego, CA. She attended Fairhaven School and had many childhood friends. Gail began bowling in San Diego as a teenager, and carried that passion forward for much of her life. In addition to bowling, Gail loved to play miniature golf, and she always shot at least one hole-in-one every time she played.

In 1980 Gail moved back to the Seattle area, to the suburb of Auburn, with her mother, Nan, and her sister, Tina. Gail became involved with the Auburn Parks and Recreation Specialized Recreation Program, and participated in cooking classes, movie nights, dance parties, karaoke, dine outs, and fishing with her friends. Gail also participated in Special Olympics bowling, as well as track and field walking events, softball throw, and cycling. Gail regularly qualified to compete at the Special Olympics Washington Summer Games at Fort Lewis. She also competed for many years at the Special Olympics Regional Bowling tournaments. Gail earned many trophies and ribbons during her years as a Special Olympian.

Gail adored her jewelry, and she was famous with her family and friends for always wearing her favorite bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. In Gail's spare time she loved watching television, listening to music, taking pictures, knitting, making latch hook rugs, and playing dominoes. Gail's favorite movie was the Wizard of Oz, and she could recite the entire movie word for word. Gail had an amazing memory. She effortlessly recalled family member's, friend's, and even acquaintances' birthdates and ages after only being told once.

Gail lived most of her life with her mother, Nan, and they were always busy shopping, running errands, and having adventures. When Nan was no longer able to take care of her, Gail moved to an adult family home in Skyway. Gail subsequently moved into Estera's New Hope Adult Family Home in Kirkland, WA in December 2011, where she lived for the rest of her life. Our family wishes to thank Gail's longtime caregivers Bill and Estera Dodd, and Maria Rasvanta. They treated Gail like a member of their family, and Gail loved them dearly.

Gail is survived by her sister and her significant other, Tina Ross and German Rangel, of Everett, WA, and also by her brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Lee Ross, of Gainesville, FL.

A celebration of Gail's life will be held at a later date.