Beverly Rose Ross

Beverly Rose (Tilley) Ross passed away peacefully at her Del Cerro Heights home in San Diego early morning January 6, 2026. She was born in Effingham, Illinois on June 28, 1940, the first of six children of Albert Thomas Tilley and Caryl Tilley (Parker). Beverly was 85.

Bev grew up in the small city of Effingham with her parents and siblings (Barbara, Thomas, Theresa, Cheryl and Kayla. She attended Effingham elementary schools and Effingham High School graduating in 1958. In high school she was active in many school activities such as majorette and student council.

Always someone wanting to help others, she thought of pursuing a career in nursing or education, she selected the latter attending Eastern Illinois in Mattoon, Illinois. Always active, she enjoyed the college life joining the Delta Zeta sorority where she assisted the house mother by preparing meals and other food activities. Graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education and having a lifelong dream of traveling, she accepted a teaching position at the Norwalk-La Miranda Unified School District in Los Angeles, CA.

While teaching in Southern California, she met her future husband, Gerald “Jerry” Ross, who was a career Navy officer stationed at the Long Beach Naval Station. They married on January 29, 1965. Shortly after her marriage, she and her husband were transferred to Omaha, Nebraska, where she taught one more year prior to the birth of her first child, Linnea “Lindy” Marie. Following her birth, she decided to suspend her teaching career to devote full time to raising her family and supporting her husband. As part of Navy life, her family moved several times after Omaha including Champaign, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Japan.

In 1979 her family moved to San Diego. Beverly worked for San Diego Unified School District, teaching part time several years before teaching full time again. She taught at Paradise Hills Elementary, Kate Sessions Elementary, Clay Elementary and her last seven years at Foster Elementary. In 1998 she was one of the finalists for San Diego Unified Teacher of the Year. After retiring in 2001 she took a position at Point Loma Nazarene University helping student teachers.

On a personal basis, Beverly was very active in her Church activities, first at Del Cerro Baptist and then at Skyline Church. She was devoted to the Lord and continued her life helping others. She was very athletic, particularly loved playing tennis. She enjoyed watching the Padres, Chargers, and San Diego State sporting events. She greatest joy was watching her grandson play basketball and her granddaughter’s dance performances. Fulfilling a childhood dream she traveled numerous times after retiring, cruising nearly a dozen times. She enjoyed trips to Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Panama and numerous European countries.

Bev was a friend to all she met, extending her warmth and loving temperament. She had many decades-long friendships with people from around the country and world. Bev loved her beloved Steel Magnolias group, as they gathered monthly for luncheons and friendship for over 40 years.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents, brother Thomas Tilley, and sister Cheryl (Erik) Anderson. She is survived by her husband Gerald; children Linnea and Harold Theron (Kristen); grandchildren Race and Daelin; sisters Barb (Rick) Alsup, Theresa (Lonnie) Stewart, Kayla (Doug) Manley; and sister-in-law Janis Tilley.

Blended family members Elizabeth, Philip, Jacqui, and Charlie O’Toole are also recognized by the family.

Funeral services will at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with visitation starting at 10:30 AM at Skyline Church 11330 Campo Rd. La Mesa, CA 91941.

Memorials may be made to one the following: Skyline Church; Navy Seabee Foundation; or Alzheimer’s San Diego.