Willa Dean Ross

Willa Dean Cole Ross arrived in Heaven at dawn on Sunday, April 19, 2015. Willa was born at Tecumseh, Oklahoma on February 12, 1927 to Harry L. and Nora Belle Cole. Moving to Oklahoma City as a child, she graduated from Central High School in 1944 and attended Oklahoma City University. While at OCU she became a Delta Zeta of which she was active throughout her life. In early 1946, Willa married Bert L. Castleberry, a Navy Corpsman, who had recently returned from action with the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific. Willa accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl of which she reflected as a devoted wife and loving mother while the couple relocated numerous times throughout Colorado and Wyoming. After raising her sons, Willa returned to school and became an LPN. In 1972 she married John W. Ross which she professed was the love of her life. After retiring, Willa traveled frequently throughout Europe and Israel. Willa was preceded in death by her parents: her brother Paul Max Cole; husband John R. Ross. Willa is survived by sons Dennis M. Castleberry and wife Valerie; Bert L. Castleberry and wife Judy; grandchildren Ethan Castleberry and wife Crystal, Axel Castleberry, Auston Castleberry, Sarah Castleberry, and Kyle Castleberry. A special thanks to Putnam City United Methodist Church, of which Willa was a member since 1956 and Frontier Hospice of Oklahoma City. Arrangements made through Guardian West Funeral Home. Services will be held at Putnam City United Methodist Church at 10:30am on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.