Maxine Ross

Maxine Harriet “Dode” Ross, age 90, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on Tuesday morning, March 22, 2016, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Maxine was born in Grantsburg on January 12, 1926, to the late George and Alice (Nelson) Williamson. She attended the Orr School through the eighth grade, and then attended Grantsburg High School, graduating in 1945. Soon after graduation, she went to St. Paul, MN. She resided there and worked for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (now known as The 3M Company).

On March 16, 1946, Maxine married Edward C. Ross in Redwing, MN. In 1950, they moved to Los Angeles, CA, returning to Wisconsin in 1961. They ventured out to live in Arizona in 1972, residing primarily in Apache Junction and Coolidge, and returned to Grantsburg in 1978. One place the family really enjoyed while living in Arizona was called “Top of the World,” a small mountain community, eight miles west of Miami, AZ. They both loved the camping.

A homemaker for the majority of her life, Maxine did work a number of years at Alcan Manufacturing Co. in Centuria, WI. She also helped her husband, Edward, in their auto repair shop located at their home in Grantsburg. Maxine took tender, loving care of Edward prior to his passing on March 3, 2008. They had been married almost sixty-two years at the time of his passing.

Maxine was a self reliant lady who loved visiting and talking with others. She received a lot of pleasure taking care of her yard and vegetable gardens, and watching and feeding the birds. She was known for her skills and talents canning fruits and vegetables, making jellies and jams, and sewing and quilting. Maxine also loved “babysitting” her “Grand dogs.”

Besides her parents, George and Alice Williamson; and her husband, Edward Ross; she is preceded in death by a brother, Duane (Edna) Williamson; and sisters: Vivadel Leaverton, Marjorie (Gene) Bystrom, and Nancy (Darold) Johnson.

Maxine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lanie and Judy Ross; granddaughter, Tammy Syring (Jeff Johnson); great-grandson, Dean Syring; great-granddaughter, Becky Syring; and great, great-grandsons, Leland and Jake. She is also survived by brothers: George (Mary Jo) Williamson and Maynard (Carleen) Williamson; sister, Carol (Gary) Olson; and many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as dear friends.

The memorial service honoring the life of Maxine Ross will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Trade River Ev. Free Church, 20296 WI State Rd 87, Grantsburg, WI 54840, with Pastor Dale Van Deusen officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.