Betty L. Ross

Betty Louise (Welker, Reay) Ross completed her earthly journey on July 5, 2023 surrounded by her beloved family. Betty was born January 19, 1928 in Hannibal, Missouri to Glenn and Lenora Welker. She had one sister, Arie Marie Welker Cathey and 2 half-sisters, Martha Jean and Betty Welker. When Betty was 13 years old, the family left Hannibal and moved to Muskogee. In December 1944 during the Christmas holiday, when only 16 years old, she eloped with her brown-eyed soldier, Bernard Reay. After graduating high school in May 1945 she followed her Air Force husband to Dayton, Ohio, then to Springfield, Illinois, and finally to Spokane, Washington. After Bernard was transferred to Alaska, Betty returned to Muskogee and worked at Camp Gruber serving soldiers ice cream, a job she always prided herself in. She later went to work at the Veteran’s Administration in their typing pool. Upon Bernard’s discharge from the service, they made their home in Muskogee. Betty was an employee of Corning Glass Works in their Purchasing Department for 37 years. During her time at Corning, Bernard and his partner owned and managed five auto parts stores in Muskogee and the surrounding area. Upon her retirement from Corning, and the death of Bernard in January 1986, she and her children continued to manage Muskogee Auto Supply until its closure in 2001. Betty enjoyed volunteering at Muskogee Regional Medical Center where she worked in the gift shop for 29 years. In May of 1988, Betty married Buck Ross. Together they enjoyed 19 years of traveling, fishing, dancing, and each other until Buck’s death in August 2007. They were devoted members of Trinity United Methodist Church where, even though she was extremely hard of hearing rendering her tone deaf, she loved singing in the choir every week! She is proceeded in death by her parents, Glenn and Lenora Welker; in-laws Roy and Ora Reay; husband Bernard Reay; son David Reay; sister Arie Marie “Rhea” Cathey Ayres; brother-in-law Eual Cathey; niece Lynn Cathey; great-nephew Myles Cathey; sister-in-law Vera Reay Edwards; brother-in-law Frank Edwards; nephew Rick Edwards; husband Leolin J. “Buck” Ross; stepson Dan Ross; step-great-grandson Hayden Ross. Betty is survived by her daughter Nancy Reay Lippmann Horn and husband Doug; son Brad Reay; step-children Marsha Ross and late husband Dan; Francie Ross Wright and husband Bill; Larry Ross; and Leigh Ann Ross Matthews and husband Scott; grandchildren Michael Lippmann; David Lippmann; Matthew Lippmann and wife Laura; Jessica Reay Alexander and husband Zach; David Horn and wife Elaine Jolly; Sarah Beth Lippmann; and Anna Freeman; step-grandchildren Brady Ross and wife Elizabeth; Dustin Ross and wife Kari ; Jennifer “Jif” Borovetz Wrensch and husband Bob; Andi Ross Clark and husband Bryce; Kali Ross Bell and husband Pat; Lindsey Ross Ison and husband Eric; and Ben Matthews; great-grandchildren Riglie and Kason Lippmann; Nora and Oliver Alexander; Nolan and Ethan Horn; nieces and nephews Joe Cathey and wife Jean; Dan Cathey and wife Laura; Jeff Cathey and wife Casey; Ben Cathey and wife Yuni; Lisa Cathey; and Gay Edwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Muskogee Children’s Ministry. A funeral service celebrating Betty’s life will be 2PM, Monday, July 10, 2023 at First United Methodist Church with Steve Morgan officiating. Private interment following service.

Betty L. Ross

January 19, 1928 - July 5, 2023