Elizabeth “Betty” L. (Stoker) Ross, 87, passed away at 10:40 am, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth was born in Drakesville, Iowa, the daughter of William B. and Dorothy (Miskimins) Stoker on June 13, 1938. She lived and was educated in Drakesville for the first 14 years of her life. Her family then moved to a farm where she attended a one room school for the last two years of elementary education. She then attended Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Iowa.
Elizabeth married Gary L. Fisk and was the proud mother of five children, John, Joe, Andrea, Kimberly, and Dawn. She later married Richard J. Ross. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, John W. Fisk, her three sisters: Cynthia J. Stoker, Gretchen K. Hervey, and Ada H. Petefish, two brothers, William M. Stoker and James P. Stoker and his wife May.
Surviving are her children, Joe G. Fisk of Galesburg, Andrea L. (the late Bruce) Johnson of Freeport, Illinois, Kimberly S. Fisk of Sterling, Illinois and Dawn E. (Stephanie Doss-Jones) Fisk of Des Moines, Iowa. Her sisters, Ruth A. (the late Chuck) Sumner of Bozeman, Montana and Susan W. (the late Gerald) Brunk of Brashear, Missouri, daughter-in-law, Kim Fisk of Belvidere, Illinois. Also surviving are two stepchildren, Lori A. (Jay) Johnson of Laramie, Wyoming and William J. (Rebecca) Ross of Keota, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren, five step grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.
Elizabeth attended Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois, graduating with high honors from the nursing program. She also attended Western Illinois University. She worked for Graham Hospital in Canton, the Abingdon Care Center, Galesburg Research Hospital, OSF St. Mary Medical Center, the Hedding Grade School and the Abingdon Clinic.
Elizabeth was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church for 35 years and served as secretary of the Faith Circle, published and wrote articles for the church newsletter, and was a member of SPRC, Church council, assisted with VBS, mentored children going through confirmation classes and helped wherever she could help. She loved gardening, reading, crosswords, Sudoku, and cryptogram puzzles. Elizabeth loved writing stories and shared them with her church and family. Family gatherings were joyous events of food, love and laughter.
Elizabeth was a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout Leader, Den Mother, Room Mother and VBS teacher for her children during their formative years. She was a member of the Knox County Home Extension, Abingdon Unit and a former member of the Garden Club.
Her family was always her primary source of joy and pride. God was the guiding light of her path, which was filled with hope for the secure and safe futures of her family. Elizabeth was a believer in speaking the truth, while allowing others that same privilege. She loved the outdoors and all the beauty of God’s earth. Looking up into the heavens and seeing his masterpieces of the stars, clouds, and all the beauty contained there. This was a sight she never got tired of.
Memorial Services for Elizabeth are scheduled for 10:30 am Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Pastor Connor Morrison officiating. Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon United Methodist Church or the Knox County Veterans Assistance. Hinchliff-Pearson-west Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www/h-p-w.com
