JoAnne M. Ross

Jo Anne Marie Ross began to dance with the angels and her beloved Bob on the morning of January 30, 2024. She was 92 years old.  She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. 

She was born in Poplar, Montana on April 11, 1931, to Peter and Ruth Moller. They moved often in her school days, but her final move was to Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School in 1949.  On July 15, 1950, she married Robert W. Ross, and for over 50 years she lived in the home he lovingly built for her.

Jo Anne was known for her amazing cooking, tending to bountiful vegetable gardens, and preserving the harvest with her canning expertise. Her home was a haven of hospitability, where family and visitors were always welcomed. A true community pillar, she was a 4-H leader, an engaged PTA parent at Peterson School, a Kalispell Jaycee, a valued board member of Friendship House, and taught many a Sunday School class. From a Bible study started in her home, Faith Covenant Presbyterian Church in Kalispell was formed, and she remained active there for many years.

Beyond her roles as a wife and mother to her six children, Jo Anne embraced others as her own. Friends, roommates, and even the constructions workers that worked for her husband were welcomed into her home, where they were treated not just as guests, but as family. To all, she was fondly known as “Mom Ross.”

She worked side by side with her husband founding, administrating the details, and keeping books for RWR Ross Construction, all the while raising her 6 children.

She is remembered and will be missed by her children:  Robert (Margaret) Ross, Donald (Mary Jane)Ross, Scott (Faye) Ross, Cathy (Robert) Helder, Susan (Brian)Dykhuizen, Sarah (Mike) Reitsma; her grandchildren, Paul (Amy)Ross, Sean Poynter, Ian (Emily)Ross, Manny Ross, Peter Ross, Megan (Nick) Crosby, Katie Ross, Elizabeth (Jordan) Wheeler, Andrew(Nora) Helder, Jessica (Curt) Jennings, Wyatt Dykhuizen, Cole Dykhuizen, Sophia Dykhuizen, Liam Reitsma and Lily Reitsma;  her great grandchildren, Laura and Jacob Ross, Connor Poynter, Kyrianna Ross, Harmon and Harrison Crosby, and Gemma Helder;  her sister in law, Joyce Heikens and numerous nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband - Bob, daughter in law - Marria Ross and grandchildren - Anne Mare Poynter and Matthew Ross.

A memorial service to honor her life will be held on Sunday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Faith Covenant Church .  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Faith Covenant Church, Immanuel Lutheran Communities, or a charity close to your heart.

Jo Anne, you fulfilled your promise to live until 92; now, rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus. And, as your join your beloved Bob, we can almost hear you saying, “Bob, this is NOT a road!” Your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your spirit will always be alive in our memories