Margarethe Edelgard Ross

Margarethe Edelgard (Peggie) Ross passed away peacefully with loving care around her on July 1st, 2026. Peggie (Nucki to her family), was born on May 23rd, 1937 in Changsha, China. She was the youngest child of the Wilhelms, a devout missionary family, and kept her faith throughout her long life. She lived an exciting life from an early age, growing up in a time of war and change. After World War II, her family settled in Scottsbluff, Nebraska where they loved the community and their friends there. Peggie became a naturalized United States citizen in 1955 and loved America and it’s freedoms. At 18, Peggie bravely struck out to Washington, DC to work in the Navy Department. There she met her first husband, Walter P. Markowich, who she later married. Their son, Brian Markowich, was a joy for her.

When Walt retired to Calvert County, she embraced Southern Maryland, making life-long friends and working at the local bank. In 1984, Peggie and Walt moved to Florida to enjoy the sunshine. After Walt died in 1989, Peggie worked for Lee County and found an amazing love with Jerry Ross, marrying him with family surrounding them in Germany in 1994. Peggie and Jerry were a perfect match and Jerry treated her like a queen as they traveled the world. He took such good care of her and made her laugh every day. She was sad when he passed away in 2022 but knew she would see him again. She moved to the Residency which enabled joyful, independent living until her passing. Compass Healthcare and Brookstone Hospice were wonderful in her time of need and treated her with grace and dignity. Their care is much appreciated.

Peggie is survived by her son, Brian Markowich (Amy), her brother, Hans, her sister Anita (Bill), nieces, nephews and their children all over the world, along with dear friends Melody and Marvin Floyd. Peggie made special connections with her sunny personality and created family wherever she went. She moved back to her hometown, Scottsbluff, to be around family and friends and her support system there was a blessing to her. She has so many friends and caregivers who became family and who will remember her with love.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested for Brookstone Hospice, to activities at the Residency, or to Cancer Research.

A Life Celebration get-together is planned at the Residency Craft Room from 4-8pm on 18 July, 2026.

A Service will be held at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff on 20 July, 2026 at 10:00 am.