Betty Ross

Betty Mae Richardson Ross, 90, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at the Lutheran Home.

Betty was born April 15, 1929, in Cape Girardeau to Daniel and Clara Musgraves Richardson. She married Thomas O. Ross Sr. on May 12, 1946, and he survives in Cape Girardeau.

She was a member of the first graduating class of nursing at Southeast Missouri State College. Betty went back and received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Southeast in 1967. She worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was a county health nurse, as well as working at Saint Francis Hospital in the obstetrics department. She retired from Southeast Hospital Surgery. Her time working in health care was special to her because she cared so much about helping others.

She was a charter member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau. She continued to attend services there all of her life, until health issues kept her from attending.

Betty was affectionately known as "Tootie" to all her family.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Ross; daughter, Linda Schorie of Cape Girardeau; son, Thomas O. (Nancy) Ross Jr. of St. Louis; and daughter, Beth (David) Scherer of Cape Girardeau; and grandchildren, Jeff (Jamie) Mayfield, and children Zak and Zo', and Gina Ross Henry, and her daughter, Lauren of St. Louis. She is also survived by a brother, Tom (Connie) Richardson; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Richardson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim, John, Dan Jr. and Michael Richardson; and sisters, Lorna Baker and Frances Miner.

The family wishes to extend its gratitude to all the employees at the Lutheran Home, as well as its hospice staff, for their care and support.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will follow at noon Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Phil Roop officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Assembly of God Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.