Obituaries

Mrs. Betty Gabriel Ross, age 87, of Lincolnton, died on January 5, 2013 at Carolina Care Center in Cherryville.

Her funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 7, 2013 at Boger City United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Ervin, Rev. Allan Van Meter, and Rev. Mike Devine officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the sanctuary at Boger City United Methodist Church on Sunday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.

Betty was born April 23, 1925 in Goodsonville to the late Paul L. Gabriel, Sr. and Lettie Goodson Gabriel.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James H. (Joe) Ross and her brothers, Paul, JB, Charles, and Steve.

Betty was a graduate of Lincolnton High School and Appalachian State Teachers College where she was student body president and a leader in women’s intramural sports.  After graduation, Betty taught one year at Appalachian High School.  When approached by members of a citizens committee interested in developing a recreation program in Lincolnton, Betty returned to Lincoln County and became the first recreation director for the City of Lincolnton in 1947 and served in this capacity until her retirement in 1990.  Betty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton is a tribute to her 43 years of devoted service to Lincolnton and Lincoln County. 

In addition to her duties as recreation director, Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, and awesome Nana.   She gave substantial time to social, charitable and church causes.  She served as a member of the Cancer Board, the Rail-Trail committee, a member of the Eastern Star, and President of Democrat Women, to mention a few.  In 1967, Betty was recognized as Lincoln County Woman of the Year.  She held many roles and was an active member of Boger City United Methodist Church.  Betty continued to serve her church and community as long as she was physically able. 

Mrs. Ross is survived by two daughters, Libby Fletcher and husband Louis, Pat Ross and special friend Jerry Gold, all of Lincolnton; three grandsons, Ross Fletcher and wife Lindsey of Cornelius, Patrick Fletcher and wife Lauryn of Huntersville, and Joe Fletcher and wife Jordyn of Lincolnton; one great-granddaughter, Tatum Fletcher of Cornelius; brother Shirley Gabriel and wife Betty of Rutherfordton; sister-in-law, Dottie Gabriel of McLean, VA; and numerous special nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to give special thanks to loving caregiver Catherine Nichols, the Lincoln County Hospice Team, and the staff at Carolina Care Center.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092, or to Boger City United Methodist Church, 2320 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092.