Alberta Lou (Ahrens) Gross

Alberta L. Gross, 96, of Gordonville, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the home of her daughter in Cape Girardeau.

She was born August 12, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, to Albert L. and Hannah H. Hargens Ahrens. She was baptized February 22, 1927, at Zion Methodist Church in Gordonville.  

Alberta attended Jackson High School.  Alberta and Albert M. Gross were married January 13, 1945, at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville.  They shared their special day with Bud and Dorothy Wessell, who were married during the same ceremony.  Alberta was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on November 18, 1945, at Christ Lutheran Church.  She was a member of the Ladies Aid, the Widow’s Group, was a former Sunday school teacher, and remained a member of the church until her passing.  Their happy union was blessed with three children, David, Karen, and Richard.  They had been married 53 years when Albert passed away January 15, 1998.

Until 1977, Albert and Alberta owned and operated Gross Dairy Farm in Gordonville, and for many years, they also cleaned the elementary school in Gordonville.  Alberta’s other employment included the International Shoe Factory in Jackson through 1972; 17 years at Procter & Gamble, and several years at the Lutheran Home.  

Alberta was an avid gardener.  She and Albert enjoyed playing cards.  Albert even had a street in Gordonville named after Alberta.  

Loving survivors include two children, Karen (David) Haupt of Cape Girardeau and Richard (the late Sheila) Gross of Gordonville; two grandsons, Chris Friedrich of Jackson, Marcus (Bridget) Gross of Cape Girardeau; a great-grandson, Walynn Douglas Gross; and a sister-in-law, Mary (late Nelson) Birk of O’Fallon, Missouri. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; their son, David Gross; a grandson, Douglas A.M. Gross; daughter-in-law, Sheila Gross; and three sisters, Genevieve (Ed) Roussell, Rosalie Ahrens, and Zerma (Ora) Masters; Albert’s parents, Albert and Clara Meier Gross; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy (Albert “Bud”) Wessell.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Southeast Hospice for attentive care given to Alberta the past three months.

Visitation is from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville.  The Rev. Jacob May will conduct the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., , Thursday, March 23, at the church.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Christ Lutheran Church or Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Alberta’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

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