Gwendlen Ross Vanzant

GWENDLEN MAURINE ROSS VANZANT, ended her long courageous battle with cancer on July 15, 2011, assisted by the gentle staff in the Palliative Care Center, at M.D. Anderson, in Houston. Gwen was a longtime member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Richmond, Texas. She joined Preceptor Laureate Beta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority after her husband passed away. She found friendship, compassion, support, and love among the chapter members and their spouses. Gwen enjoyed getting involved in chapter activities, going on trips, and meeting members of other Beta Sigma Phi chapters. Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Vanzant; parents, Ernest Henry and Mable Magdeline Senseney Ross; and brothers, Errol Henry Ross and Paul Peter Ross. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ross Wismeg; sister, Theresa Ross Finnerty; brothers, Edward Ross and Ronald Ross; granddaughters, Taylor and Madison Wismeg; and many other loving relatives and friends. Gwen took great delight in cheering on the ice skating, hockey, chorus, band, and the many other activities her granddaughters participated in. As her health declined, Taylor and Madison often cooked for their grandmother in her apartment. Gwen wanted so badly to be in the kitchen with them. She felt very strongly about her grandmotherly duties and loved every second. Life provided Gwen with many challenges. She always picked herself up and started all over again stronger for the experience. Her great strength was evident during her struggle with cancer. The doctors and nurses and everyone she came in contact with were amazed. Gwen told everyone she met, who did not have cancer, that she would pray they never would get cancer, and she did. Her hope was that her suffering would help those who came after her. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gwen’s life at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Earthman Southwest Chapel, Stafford. A reception will follow the service at Berryhill Restaurant in Sugar Land. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gwen’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, at www.lls.org.