Condolence: Family eulogy: In Loving Memory of Margaret Hazel Ross

The family would like to thank all of you for coming to help us celebrate Margaret’s life and share in our grief at her passing. Margaret passed while asleep with family in her home at the age of 90, on February 12, 2018. She was born September 24, 1927 in Stratton, Colorado to Roy W. and Eva I Smith. We are grateful her illness was brief and her passing peaceful at home just as she wished it to be.

Margaret will be remembered as a loving and strong mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was fiercely independent and occasionally a bit stubborn. She was a devoted mother that would do anything for her children, she was the best mom you could ever wish for. Margaret was a selfless caregiver as she cared for her husband Oliver and mother Eva during her retirement. She loved her children and grandchildren but held a very special place in her heart for her great-grandchildren. This was evident by the way she lite up at the mention of their names. She treasured the time she spent with Ryan, Kamerin, Mason and Jackson. Margaret’s only weakness is that she worried too much about her loved ones and felt she should do more to help them. We had to regularly remind her she had already done so much for all of us and it was now her time to be cared for, spoiled and worried over.

Margaret will be remembered as a lifelong friend to many, but none so close as her best friend and sister Mildred. They looked forward to their daily phone conversations, updating one another on the day’s events and would spend hours reminiscing over their shared past. They also took great joy in discussing their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret held a special place in her heart for two dear friends Nancy and Tessie. She enjoyed visiting with these wonderful ladies over the years, creating friendships that will last forever.

Margaret enjoyed gardening, anyone who saw her yard would know that right away. Even after her mother Eva passed at the age of 98 she felt she had to keep it up to her mother’s beautiful standard. Neighbors would often comment on her lovely yard and how impressed they were by her level of activity. Margaret had a true love for flowers and being outdoors on a sunny day. We are grateful she was able to enjoy a few more early spring days before her passing. Margaret also enjoyed watching birds that visited her yard and she would often sit on her patio listening to their beautiful songs. We could always count on her ability to identify a bird or plant for us. There was no puzzle that Margaret could not handle, and she was always kind to leave some easy pieces for family members to fill in, so we too could feel proud when a tough one was finished. Reading a good book by the window sitting in her rocking chair was also one of her favorite pastimes. That way she could keep an eye on the neighborhood’s coming and goings at the same time. Margaret never let anything keep her down, she always kept moving forward. Her fortitude, perseverance and compassion are an inspiration to us all.

She will be deeply missed, and her absence will be felt for a long time to come. She was the rock of our family and always there to listen and share her seasoned wisdom. We take comfort in her hopefulness for the future and her prayer for all of us to find happiness and success in all our endeavors. We are all so grateful for the time we had with her and the love we shared.

Readings: Irish Blessing & Psalms 23

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Psalm 23
The Divine Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

Closing prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the
glory, forever. Amen.

Condolence: Margaret will be deeply missed. I so enjoyed our evening chats. She always had such a positive attitude and made me feel so welcomed. We would share about our families and neighbors. It was just such a special time. She was a very proud mama and great/grandmother. I took great joy that she was always so well cared for. Sincerely, Margaret

Condolence: Margaret will be deeply missed. I so enjoyed our evening chats. She always had such a positive attitude and made me feel so welcomed. We would share about our families and neighbors. It was just such a special time. She was a very proud mama and great/grandmother. I took great joy that she was always so well cared for. Sincerely, Margaret