A native of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Ms. Ross was born in 1920 to Hugh and Esther Ross. She graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1938 and Henderson State Teacher’s College in 1942. After graduating from Henderson, her love for photography led her to the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. In 1944, she served in the Women’s Army Corps in the Army Air Force as a photographic technician. She returned to Arkadelphia in 1948 to open a photography studio, which she operated until 1955.

After the death of her father in 1955, Ms. Ross assumed the responsibilities of managing the family lands. After the death of her mother in 1967, she became active in the everyday operations of the Ross Foundation as a trustee and chairman of the board. Ms. Ross continued her active involvement with the Ross Foundation as trustee and chairman for thirty-two years, until her death on July 9, 1999.

In addition to the many activities associated with the Ross Foundation, Ms. Ross served in numerous positions of civic and philanthropic responsibility. As Ms. Ross once said…“clearly the benefits and the joy of giving extend to both the giver and the receiver.”

The wisdom and inspiration of Ms. Ross will insure that the work of the Ross Foundation will continue. Ms. Ross’ life was marked by her wisdom, compassion and generosity. She dedicated her life to the betterment of Clark County through her benevolence, and the perpetual nature of the Ross Foundation is one of her greatest achievements.