Betty passed away on April 18, 2023 at the age of 99. She was born June 10, 1923 in Buckley, Washington, the seventh of eight children to Sam and Maggie Nearhood. She lived nearly her entire life in Buckley and graduated from Buckley High School in 1941.

Afher high school, Betty attended Knapp Business College in Tacoma. On May 3, 1945, she married Jack Ross. They briefly moved to Bellingham and had two sons, Dennis and Deryl. When her boys were older, she joined the workforce as a secretary. She was employed by the White River School District where she spent the bulk of her career as the head secretary at White River High School.

In her retirement, Betty was an active participant in most activities at the Buckley Senior Center. She spent many hours gardening and working in her yard up to the age of 94. Betty was a prolific knitter and an avid baker. She knitted many gifs for newborn babies, as well as hats and blankets for charity. She was known to bake and make candy for the entire neighborhood at the holidays.

Betty believed in remaining active. She would stop to chat frequently on her daily walks to the post office and back. She attended every community event and she loved nothing more than a good joke, a funny story, or wearing whacky attire.

Betty will be fondly remembered as a woman who loved people, not things. She spent her entire life caring for family elders, children, friends, and neighbors. She was a lifelong member of Buckley Community Presbyterian Church. In her time at church, Betty participated in a variety of ministries.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, and all of her siblings. Betty is survived by her sons Dennis (Lark), Deryl (Terri), 4 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren. There will be a private graveside service for the family. A Celebration of Life for Betty will be held on Saturday, June 10th at Buckley Community Presbyterian Church.