Betty Joan (Larsen) Ross, 76, of Fenwick passed away on February 4, 2011 in Greenville surrounded by her family.

Betty was born on October 28, 1934 in Fenwick to Robert and Leona (Lund) Larsen. She attended the Fenwick School and then the Sheridan Rural Agricultural School where she graduated as the salutatorian in 1951 at the age of 16. She was then accepted into the Nursing program at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and continued at Wayne State University. On March 20, 1954 she married M. Jerry Ross at the Sheridan Congregational Church. They spent time in Chicago while Jerry was in the army and returned to the area in 1957. In 1959 Betty and Jerry bought an 80 acre farm west of Fenwick where they raised their 7 children and lived for the rest of their lives. They raised 7 children on that farm. Betty was a great example of a faithful wife and mother, caring for Jerry with his 20 year battle with MS and always making Carolyn her first priority. Betty was a nurse, an educator for the Montcalm Intermediate School District and was instrumental in starting Little People Land; where she worked until she retired in 1989. She was a valuable member of ARC Montcalm for many years. She enjoyed watching and waiting for her gardens to bloom in the spring. 

Betty was thoughtful of all of her friends and loved ones; always remembering birthdays and sending cards. She was a hard worker but was always ready to give a smile and a hug. She was always there when anyone needed her and for that she will be missed by many.

Betty is survived by her children; Randall and Gaylia Ross of Fenwick, Gregory and Connie Ross of Sheridan, Martin and Laurie Ross of Fenwick, Sheila and Jan Morse of Houghton Lake, Brenda and Dan Bissell of Greenville, Carolyn Ross, and Ann Ross both of Fenwick; grandchildren , Joseph and Lynette Ross, Jennifer and Juan Cruz, Jamie and Doug McKeown, Jason Ross and Sonja Ashbaugh, Adam and Megan Lane, Gavin Lane, Marlayna and Brent Humble, Melinda Ross, Luke Ross, Rebekah Ross, Rachel Ross, Robert Ross, Thomas Ross, Melissa Morse and Jeff Spence, Orion Morse and Donielle Bannon, Jacob Ross and Tasha Byington, Kevin Bissell, Michelle Peak, and Camille Bradley; 11 great grandchildren; sister and brothers, Joyce Tefft of Fenwick, Robert and Kathy Larsen of CO, and Donald and Lois Larsen of Stanton; her brother in law, Ken and Pam Ross of Sheridan. Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Jerry in 1999, a brother, Fred Larsen, and a brother in law, Gene Tefft.

Betty’s family will greet friends on Wednesday February 9, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton. A celebration of her life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday February 10th at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Gilbert Morris from the Butternut Bible Church will officiate. For those desiring to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Diabetes Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.