Mary Ellen Ross

Mary Ellen Ross, a long time resident of Fulton, passed away in the late evening of December 21st due to a long illness.

She was born on September 21, 1930, in Akron, Ohio to Esther E. Carroll and John W. Carroll.

Even as a child, Mary Ellen loved learning, reading and community service. In her early years she created her own library and would lend books to others.

Most of Mary Ellen’s childhood was spent in Akron, Ohio and Michigan, where she was an eager student and loved school. She graduated from North High in Akron, Ohio. Mary Ellen went on to study at Otterbein College and obtained her master’s degree in library science from Case Western Reserve.

After leaving college she was employed as a librarian at Akron Public Library. While living in Fulton, Mary Ellen worked as a librarian at Erie Street School and Nestles as a circulation librarian. In addition, she was appointed as city historian.

In 1956, Mary Ellen met her beloved husband Donald M. Ross. They were married in her childhood church, Bethany Lutheran Church, where her grandfather was minister. As a young couple Mary Ellen and Don lived in Townsend, Massachusetts for three years before relocating to Fulton, NY. The family spent several years in England where they enjoyed exploring and emerging themselves in the culture and life of Europe. They were blessed with 63 years of a beautiful marriage.

Mary Ellen was a housewife and raised four children. She was very active in the Fulton community as a member of the Women’s Club of Fulton, Women of Rotary, Shakespeare Society, her Lutheran church, Mt. Adnah Cemetery, and many other organizations.

Mary Ellen actively supported her grandchildren in their activities and could be found attending many of their sporting games and performances.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald M. Ross.

She is survived by her children, Andrew (Cynthia) Ross, Ellen (Rick) Himes, Barbara Tate, Sarah Arena; grandchildren, Gillian (Timothy) Hahn, Melissa Himes, Ashley Tate, Tiffany (Mark) Armstrong, Louis Arena, Marteen Arena, Andrea (Randy) Novak, Alyssa Ross, and Victoria Ross; great-grandchildren, Gretchen, Ronan, and Teddy.

Calling hours will be from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton with a funeral service to immediately follow. Burial will be in Mt. Adnah Cemetery, E. Broadway, Fulton.

Donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s name to Hospice of CNY. Please enjoy a book in her honor.