ROSS, Maud (SAWYERS) 18??-1945

ROSS, SAWYERS

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/23/2014 at 11:03:54

MAUD ROSS
AN APPRECIATION

In a lovely setting of soft sunshine, birds and green grass, all that was mortal of Maud Sawyers Ross was laid to rest upon the hill last Sunday afternoon. Lifelong friends mourned with the devoted family and relatives. The Rev. J. S. Ellis officiated.

Mrs. Ross passed away at the home of her daughter, Gwen V. Ross in Des Moines, May 11, 1945, after a long illness. She had been living there about a year.

Born and reared in the Anson community, she had spent most of life there and in Farmington, Iowa, with the exception of a year or so in California and Des Moines.

She was married to C. S. Ross at Anson and old friends still remember how proud Mr. Ross was of his smiling bride. Three children were born to this union, Gwen, Hillys and Francis. Hillys passed on a few years ago.

Mrs. Ross was an unusual woman,---outstanding in mentality, originality and personality. Innately cheerful, interested in every one she knew, whether old or young, she was everybody’s friend and everybody was her friend.

Coming to Farmington in early married days, their first home was a little house on Second street. From the beginning friendliness and hospitality marked the atmosphere, and wherever they lived this spirit abode with them. An invisible “welcome mat” was always out. On winter evenings the little home overflowed with boys and girls, little and big, who romped and talked and laughed and shouted and sang while “Willie” played the piano. Others might not survive many nights of such vociferous guests, but the hospitable Ross family enjoyed it whole heartedly. When Mrs. Nelle Therme lived next door she always spoke of Mrs. Ross as her “Sunshine Neighbor.”

Mrs. Ross was a valuable member in club work. Her originality prompted her to invent questions and propound ideas in the Shakespeare club that never occurred to anyone else. Even during the past year she kept up her interest in Shakespeare, and when request would write a paper on a given topic to be read at the meetings. For years when they lived east of town, it was the custom of the Shakespeare club to hold the annual family picnic at the Ross home.

The Political Science club suffered a real loss in her removal. She went deeply into discussions. Nor did she expect or wish others to agree with her. She loved to keep the ball rolling merrily along, bringing out both sides of a question.

She had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, holding the office of Worthy Matron. For a number of years she taught a class in the Congregational Sunday School. Her influence in Farmington will not wane soon.

She is survived by her husband, daughter, Gwen and son, Francis, of Des Moines; her brother, Harry Sawyers and his wife, a niece, Elsie Sawyers all of Farmington; a nephew, Tom Sawyers, in service; two grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

“She was a friend whose heart was good,
Who walked with folks and understood;
Hers was a voice that spoke to cheer,
And felt like music on the ear.
Hers was a smile folks loved to see;
Hers was a hand that asked no fee
For friendliness or kindness done,
And now that she has journeyed on
Hers is a fame that never ends:
______cut off ___________”

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 115