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Wilma Jean Ross

Wilma Jean Ross, 93, lifelong resident, icon and historian of Richwood, died Friday October 3, 2025 at the Gables of Marysville. She was born October 17, 1931 in Marysville to the late Robert O. and Nellie R. (Yarrington) Thompson. Wilma was a 1949 graduate and valedictorian of Richwood High School. She was runner-up All-State academic award winner in bookkeeping in 1949 in Cleveland. In earlier years, she worked at the former Union Theater in Richwood for Jerry Anderson and did bookkeeping for the former Swartz Ford dealership. Wilma’s church was very important to her. She was a member of the Richwood First Baptist Church since 1949. She served the church in many capacities over the years, President of the ABW, Sunday School secretary, church treasurer, sang in the choir, was a Junior Choir Mother for Margaret Weller and taught an adult Sunday School class. Wilma was also extremely active with the Richwood Civic Center. She was a member of RCC, former Asst. Director then Director and served as a board member. One of her greatest joys was taking the trips with the center, she was a true tour guide. Wilma loved taking pictures, which led to her volunteering at the Richwood Fair for over 25 years in the Photography Dept., she loved the fair. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. From 1996 until 2022 she was the office manager of Tom Ross Automotive, many people enjoyed her pleasant smile and friendly words when they would stop at the shop. On March 15, 1953 in Salem she married Richard E. “Monk” Ross and he died October 31, 1978. She was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Cyndi Ross, sisters, Shirley Shank and Maryalice Fry and brother-in-law, Hubert Fry. Surviving are her sons, Richard M. (Julie) Ross of Richwood and Thomas E. Ross of Richwood, grandchildren, Erin (Isaac) Heyne, Thomas E. (Katie) Ross II, Matthew (Nikki) Ross and Brennan (Maddie) Griffith great grandchildren, Braxton, Westin and Jaxon brother, Robert M. “Mike” (Karen) Thompson of Logan many nieces and nephews and extended family Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood. Jeff Evans will officate. Burial will follow in the Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home in Richwood. Memorial gifts may be made to the Richwood First Baptist Church, 101 East Ottawa Street Richwood, Ohio 43344. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to Claibourne Cemetery Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Tom and Ruby Gwynn   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM Sorry to hear about your loss, but she is heaven‘s gain. She was a very nice lady. We were always happy to speak with her when she was on one of her walks. #2 from: MJ Knapp Insurance Agency Richwood Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM That lady was beautiful and sharp as a tack. I know she was tired....grateful the Lord led her home. #3 from: Gail DeGood-Guy & Tom Guy  Richwood Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM Tom and Rick and families.   We are so very sorry to hear of Wilma's passing.   I always loved talking with her!   She was so loving and caring.   She absolutely went crazy at the Richwood Fair's Antique  Show.  She contributed SO MUCH to it and loved to hear everything the judges said about her entries!  I regret she won't be at Brennan's reenlistment.  She was so proud of him!   Monk has waited a long time for her.   Our love to you all.     #4 from: Kyle &Jennifer Jones Richwood Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM So sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet and kind soul! She will be missed. #5 from: Scott & Tenah McMahan Somersville, OH Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM Fond memories of this lady who always had a smile on her face. I’m sure you all have fond and fun stories to cherish her memory forever.  Condolences 💐 #6 from: Rona Penix   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM My thoughts and prayers are with you.Wiima was a special lady! She will be missed. God be with you all🙏 #7 from: Traci Oates Hoffman   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 5:35 PM Thinking of you all during this time. She was pure joy. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers #8 from: Vicky Millington   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 5:46 PM Rick and Tom So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful Lady. She will definitely be missed. Prayers to all #9 from: Connie Hill Nolensville, TN Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 5:55 PM A loss to her family and the community.  She will be missed by many, married to another Richwood icon who is still missed. The Great Generation. Condolences to Rick, Tom and families. Connie & Bob Hill #10 from: Jennifer Michael Venice Florida Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 6:05 PM I always enjoyed running into Wilma. She always took the time to visit with you like she had all the time in the world for you. So very kind. I’m so very sorry very sorry for your loss.   #11 from: Keith Davis The Villages Florida Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM Tom and Rick, So sorry for your loss. #12 from: Sherry Kavanagh   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM Thinking of all of you.  Wilma was loved by everyone who knew her.  What a wonderful life she lived!  I know she will be missed by many.  🙏💔 Sherry and John   #13 from: Gary and Linda shaw Marysville Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers #14 from: Terry and Barb Kemp   Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 7:57 PM To Wilma’s two amazing sons and family, we send our deepest sympathy,  your mom was a truly a Special lady that we all have loved thru the years.  Her smile and laughter was simply the Best!!!  She will be truly missed by all that knew her.  May her sweet, loving soul RIP #15 from: Steve Price Larue ohio Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 8:34 PM Tom and Rick , condolences on your Moms passing , definitely one of a kind ,Steve and Linda Price #16 from: Karen Elaine Landon Foet Pierce,FL 34945 Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 8:59 PM Wilma will truly be missed. May your,faith, family and friends help you make it through this time of loss. #17 from: Robin Lenox Richwood Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 9:55 PM So sorry for your loss. What a nice lady she was! Prayers to the family. #18 from: Stacey Coder Marion Oh Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM Rick,Tom and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss of Wilma. She was a grand lady. #19 from: Brody Hamilton Mt.victory Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 3:06 AM Sorry for your loss #20 from: Dirk Shearer Radnor Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 5:25 AM My deepest sympathies to you all #21 from: Jerry Moore   Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 7:28 AM What a great woman. She will be missed. #22 from: Bill and Martha Moore family.   Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 7:34 AM Condolences to the family. Monk and Wilma were great friends of ours. #23 from: Ted Travis   Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 7:59 AM Tom and Rick, very sorry for your loss. #24 from: Johna Nibert   Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:12 AM So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Was always so good to visit with her when going to the shop or when ever would meet her. Prayers to her family.   Johna Nibert #25 from: Julie Welsh Wisma Richwood, OH Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM Tom, Rick, and families, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have happy memories of Wilma and Monk from when I was just a little girl. Wilma was always so pleasant, friendly, and kind. I was amazed by how she worked at the automotive shop well into her golden years and was still so sharp. The village has lost one of its treasures, and our thoughts are with you. #26 from: Dan Redmond Ashley , Ohio Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 11:33 AM  To Tom,Junior and Families,  My first thought on learning your Mom had passed:     A Life Well Lived!  Fondly remembered by all who knew her.       My condolences, Dan #27 from: Bruce, Becky and Ashley Beery Richwood Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM Our deepest sympathy to all. She was a wonderful lady and full of information about many things. Was always a joy to talk to her. The community has lost a great icon but has left many memories to cherish. #28 from: Sue McBride Bails Richwood Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 3:09 PM Tom and family, so very sorry for the loss of Wilma. This town will never be the same with out Wilma! I have known her since I was a little girl and she always had a smile on her face and a kind word when you would see her. God Bless your family and RIP Wilma, dear friend. #29 from: Patricia Parrott Eby Reno, Nv Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM I was a teen when Wilma first attended Church. She was in BYF and I was one of the youngest members. She always treated me as an equal . Much appreciated by a young kid.   Well done RIP #30 from: Shelley Ridge   Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM Tom and Rick, so sorry for your loss, prayers for your comfort and healing.  Your Mom always said hi and talked to everyone, she will be missed. #31 from: Christie Henderson Hunter Richwood Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM My condolences to Wilma's family and friends. I have known Wilma all of my life and became very good friends with her. When I moved in here 7 years ago she was my neighbor. She will be missed by all that knew her. #32 from: Douglas & Patricia Wilson 28570 Grindell Road Richwood,Ohio 43344 Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM So Sorry for your loss. I loved talking to your Mom. She will be missed. #33 from: Ron Kater Richwood Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:32 PM So sorry for your loss. #34 from: Beth and John Gwynn Newark Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM Richwood will not be the same without Wilma. I enjoyed visiting with Wilma at many auctions over the years. She was a great lady. #35 from: SuzannePatterson Richwood Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 7:31 AM A life well lived and shared. Wilma was a really fine woman and a great friend. She volunteered at the Civic Center a d worked with me on so many projects, especially the WW11 banquet and remembrance. She was a Richwood icon. My heart goes out to you, all the family. #36 from: Raquel & Eric Thompson Richwood Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 8:21 AM Received our deepest condolences. One friendly and sweet lady, always with the most sincere smile. She will be missed. #37 from: Mary Lu Swartz Richwood Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM To the Ross Family:  My sympathy on the passing of Wilma.  I enjoyed talking to her at the Fine Arts Antique Display or at the repair shop.  She had such a sharp mind and a welcoming smile. A Gem of a Lady. May she RIP for a life well lived #38 from: Randy Mills Bradenton Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 12:06 PM Tom , Rick & family.  So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.  Nice lady, indeed #39 from: Rona Penix   Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM My thoughts and prayers are with you.Wiima was a special lady! She will be missed. God be with you all🙏 #40 from: Jerry and Kathryn Hoffman Raymond Ohio 43067 Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM Wilma was and still is a great friend of Kathryn and I. Monk is still missed by our family. Wilma will be missed by all who knew her and family. #41 from: Randy & Barb Sullivan   Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM We are sorry for your loss. Wilma was a special lady with a lot of talents. We really got to know her at the fair. She spent a lot of time there volunteering, entering, and just enjoying talking to attendees. May God help you through this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Friends, Randy & Barb Sullivan #42 from: Doris Griffith Richwood Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 5:22 PM Rick. Tom.and family, My First memory of Wilma and her sisters got on our school's in Claibourne. They were always happy and friendly. Then we were on a Grange drill team in our teens we got to dress up in long dresses and travel to other Granges. I remember her being the valedictorian of her classmqny years later, we went to New aorleans with a tour she led with the Civic Center. She was an excellent guide I am sorry for your loss. She was nice lady. #43 from: Mike and Andrea Cutlip Savannah, Georgia Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 7:45 PM Dear Tom, Tom Jr, and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ms Wilma's passing. She was an absolutely wonderful lady. She had a beautiful smile and eyes that twinkled when she thought something was funny. We loved our interactions with her at the shop. She was a walking history book for the town of Richwood. She once helped me identify a person on a an old high school composite picture. She was always willing to help anyone and when you did something she thought was special, she would heap the compliments on you. She was an amazing woman and will be missed greatly by many. #44 from: Barb Holcomb-Daily Larue Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 9:34 PM Such a sweet woman Sorry for your loss. #45 from: Debbie (Howald) Allerton Hudson, Florida Mon, Oct 6, 2025 at 12:07 AM My condolences to Rick, Tom and family.  I truly admired two women in Richwood, your mama and my mother in law Tillie Howald. They loved Richwood, their family and God.   #46 from: Merry Northrup Smith Richwood Mon, Oct 6, 2025 at 9:30 AM We are sorry to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was a lovely person who always had a smile and an interesting story to share. #47 from: Dennis & Peggy Wilson Richwood Mon, Oct 6, 2025 at 3:14 PM A very happy and friendly lady!! Rick and Tom and families we are so sorry for your loss!  Prayers for peace and comfort for you all! #48 from: Dave & Debra Tevis Clayton Marion Mon, Oct 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM Rick, Tom and Families... Everyone who knew your Mom were blessed. She had such an upbeat attitude and a smile that was special. She will be missed by the community. Thank you both for sharing her with us. Sending hugs and blessings. 💕 Dave and Deb #49 from: Sue Dilsaver Foreman Petersburg MI Wed, Oct 8, 2025 at 2:20 PM I am send sincere condolences for your loss..  although we let the community decades ago, Monk and Wilma leave special memories.  Not only from Swartz motors , but Mike and Karen were our neighbors.  We are praying for your loss family.  God bless, Sue and Ivan #50 from: Deb Lawyer Cleveland Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM Deepest sympathies to Wilma’s family and the entire Richwood community.  My parents (Bob and Ruby Fox) thought the world of Monk and Wilma.  Wilma will not be forgotten and we are all better for meeting her. #51 from: Michael Rees Prospect Wed, Oct 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM Such a nice person. Always enjoyed chatting with her at Tom’s shop. Condolences to the entire family.   #52 from: Mary, and Terry McCoy   Sun, Oct 26, 2025 at 4:23 PM Tom, and family,we are so very for your loss.

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