Sandra P. Ross, 83, of Roseville, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 10:50 p.m. surrounded by her family. She was born October 18, 1938 in Swedesboro, New Jersey, the daughter of Howard B. and Evelyn Packer. She married the love of her life, Mervin Ross, on January 25, 1958.
She is survived by her husband, Mervin Ross; her 4 children, Sherry (Kim) Gullberg, Terry (L. J.) Ross, Cindy (Glen) Erenberger, and Scott (Stacy) Ross; her 10 grandchildren, Meagan (Kevin) Box, Karl (Megan) Gullberg, Taryn (Vince) King, Ross (Miranda) Gullberg, Josh Erenberger, Tyler (Megan) Erenberger, Ciara Erenberger, Lauren Ross, Ayden Ross, and Caroline Ross; her 14 great grandchildren: Clara, Wyatt, and Katie Box; Elijah, Adalyn, and Kynzie Gullberg; Quincy and Kynlee King; Liam, Carson, and Owen Gullberg; Emmett, Garrett, and Jetta Erenberger.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Howard W. Packer.
Sandy met Mervin while he was stationed at Nike Missile Base in Sandy’s home town of Swedesboro. The first time Mervin saw Sandy was when she was singing in the choir at the Methodist Church with her mom. Later, Sandy was at Swedesboro Lake Park skating with her friends when Mervin and his army buddies stopped by. Sandy ignored Mervin when he asked if he could borrow her ice skates because she thought he was from a rival high school. But, he was persistent and got her to agree to a dinner date. A year later, they were married. After Mervin was discharged from the army, they moved to Roseville, Illinois, Mervin’s home town. Sandy and Mervin were married for 64 years.
Sandy knew no strangers; she could start a conversation with anyone. She made friends easily; some of them were like family. She was involved in many activities: a 50-year member of Eastern Star, Methodist Church Circles, Women’s Club, Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Girl Scout Leader, and Room Mother. She was active in the church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school.
She was a dedicated farm wife, picking up parts, shuttling meals and men from field to field, and driving grain wagons to town each fall. Before cell phones, Sandy and Mervin used a CB radio to talk. Their handles were Jersey Gal and Red Dust.
Sandy loved to sew and could be found most Tuesdays in Macomb with her sewing friends, “Dana’s Girls.” She created many quilts, outfits, and baby blankets as well as altered numerous prom and wedding dresses for family and friends.
She was famous for her homemade ice cream, angel food cake with sticky frosting, Christmas spritz cookies, and lemon bars. She had a flair for decorating with unusual pieces and antiques.
Sandy loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She shared her love of sewing with her grand and great granddaughters, buying many of them their first sewing machines. She traveled to her grandkids’ sporting events, plays, concerts, and 4H activities as well as went on special trips. Other favorite pastimes were playing cards & games and watching movies & shows with her family. She was particularly fond of this saying: “My kids accuse me of having a favorite child, which is ridiculous because I don’t like any of them; My grandkids are my favorite.”
Funeral services will be held at the Wise Family Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Roseville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church or the Roseville Community Center and left in the care of the funeral home. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the healthcare professionals who provided their expert and loving care. Wise Family Funeral Home, Roseville, is in charge of the arrangements.
