Lavern (Mirly) Ross

Mary LaVern Ross, a faithful and compassionate servant to God, her family, and friends, died peacefully on May 1, 2025, at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. LaVern was born September 7, 1932, to Walter O. and Roxie (nee Dickerson) Mirly, and was raised on a dairy farm just outside of Jackson, Missouri. The second oldest of 6 children, LaVern cared for her parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and other family members her entire life. After graduating from Jackson High School, she married the love of her life, Thomas Charles Ross, on September 29, 1950. They were married for 62 years when he passed away in June of 2013. LaVern and Charlie had three children: Walter "Walt" (Janie) Ross, Charles Edward "Eddie" (Brenda) Ross and Cynthia "Cindy" (Billy) Gage; six grandchildren, Dr. Claire (Dr. Michael) O'Neal and Dr. Christian (Jean) Ross, Aaron (Kelli) and Adam (Michaelyn) Ross, and Ross (Grace) Gage and Lucy (Andrew) Beasley, in addition to 9 great-grandchildren: Isaac and Jacob O'Neal; Jonas, Ian and Otis Ross; Charlotte, Everett and Bennett Ross; and Fischer Beasley. She also had 2 honorary grandchildren, Jason (Amy) and David (Olivia) Huter. LaVern learned the lessons of hard work on her family's farm, which served her well her entire life. As newlyweds, Charlie and LaVern were stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during the Korean War. While there, she worked at the legendary Broadmoor Hotel. Later, the couple moved to Mayfield, Kentucky, where they ran a furniture store. Returning to Jackson, she was soon employed as a checker at A&P Grocery and then as a checker and bookkeeper at Schaper's IGA. After Ross Furniture opened, she contributed to its long-term success through bookkeeping and sales. She loved serving customers and will be remembered for the smiles and kind words she had for everyone. LaVern was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson for over 60 years, where she taught Sunday school and served on the Guild. Before moving out of state with her daughter, she had joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, and most recently was a member of First Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was grateful for the friends she made in all the congregations. LaVern was also an incredible cook and hostess. Family and friends looked forward to her homemade rolls and so many other recipes she perfected over the years. All visitors were welcome and made to feel comfortable in her home. She was so very grateful for her family, her many friends, and neighbors, and always tried her best to mirror what she saw in Christ's ministry on earth. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Walt, an infant sister, Magali, brothers Bob and Jack Mirly, and sisters Betty Jagels and Carolyn Huter. Although Carolyn was LaVern's baby sister, she became like a daughter to LaVern and Charlie after they helped raise her in their family home. A memorial service for LaVern will be held at McCombs Funeral Home on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. and burial to follow at Russell Heights Cemetery. The Rev. Douglas Breite will officiate. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Missouri, Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, or First Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas.