Kathy Ross (nee Kathleen Price) passed away at home on Oct. 15, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her most.
Kathy was born and raised in Dunkirk, NY. She was married to Eugene Ross, the love of her life, from 1965 until his death in 1988. They had three daughters, Michelle (Monty) McAdoo of Edinboro, PA, Deborah (Todd) Piwowarski of San Diego, CA and Rachael Ross of Tonawanda, NY.
She was predeceased by her brother Raymond (Karen) Price.
Many will lovingly remember Kathy from her years working at Matt’s and U.S. News. She adored her customers and could spend hours talking and laughing with them: her family said Kathy could talk to a statue and it would answer! She had a wonderful sense of humor and anyone that spent time with her always had a good laugh.
Kathy abhorred anyone who hurt an animal or a child. She was passionate and opinionated (perhaps stubborn) about many things: family, friends, smoking, coffee, cooking, baking, Chinese food, recycling, equal rights, chocolate, Red Lobster shrimp fest, puzzles, tv and music.
People were often surprised to learn how much she loved listening to rap, hip hop and soul music. Her favorite artists were 50 Cent, James Brown and especially Michael Jackson. She met James Brown in Las Vegas and was thrilled when he autographed and gave her his album.
Kathy’s friends and family loved to gather at her home to tell stories and laugh until the wee hours, drinking coffee, enjoying her nachos, chili cheese or chicken wing dip. Holidays were especially memorable as Kathy spent months crocheting decorations and making dozens of different types of delicious cookies, incredible pies, and the world’s best scalloped potatoes.
Those that knew her knew she was very particular about her appearance. She always made sure her hair, eyelashes and make-up were just so. She always changed her jewelry to match what she was wearing.
Kathy fiercely loved and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She especially loved her grandchildren Kylie, Carson, and Tristan. She always had their photos in her wallet and could talk about each of them and their accomplishments for hours.
Anyone who was lucky enough to be invited to her home would marvel at her extensive collection of exotic statues, masks, vases, plates, and other collectibles. She loved Asian culture and artifacts. In 2008 she fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Egypt. The highlight of her trip was entering King Tut’s tomb and standing on the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 4-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her honor to the American Heart Association or the Lakeshore Humane Society in Dunkirk.
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