Dortha Ross

Dortha Jean Ross born November 15, 1937, passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on November 5, 2021. Dortha was the daughter of George and Florence Love Bankes born in their family home in Morgan County, Ohio. Dortha was the fourth sibling with older siblings Golda, Robert, George Jr, and her younger siblings Barbara and Carl. She attended the school systems of Morgan County and graduated from M&M High School in 1955. As a young girl, she first started attending a church in San Toy and then attended Zion CCCU in Porterville where she began her journey as a Christian. On June 27, 1957, she married Ralph R. Ross and they started attending the Nazarene Church in Mt. Sterling where they both gave their hearts to the Lord and started many years of dedicated service to the Lord. Their marriage was blessed by the births of Ralph E. Ross in January, 1961 and Melinda A. Ross in January, 1965. As a family, Christ remained the focal point as Dortha became a pillar of the church, serving 50 years and also, her community. Dortha is preceded in death by her loving husband Ralph R Ross of 59 ½ years, her brothers Robert, George, Carl Bankes, and sister Golda Davisson as well as her parents. Dortha is survived by her son Ralph E. of Mt. Sterling, daughter Melinda A. Hogan (Jeff) of Elyria, Ohio, her four grandchildren; Emilie A., Elisabeth R., Evan P., Elise M., sister, Barbra Wilson Hussell (Lewis) of Malta. Sister-in-law, Patty Bankes of New Lexington, as well as many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends who will miss her greatly. A Celebration of Life Service will be held WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021, at the MT. STERLING CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, 226 N. Market Street, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143. Rev. Philip Starr, pastor of the church will officiate. Friends may call for visitation at the church on TUESDAY, November 9, 2021, from 3:00-8:00 PM and again, WEDNESDAY from 10-11 AM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pleasant Cemetery in Mt. Sterling. Floral tributes are welcome or memorial contributions may be given to the Church of the Nazarene or Ohio’s Hospice Loving Care P.O. Box 445, London, Ohio, 43140. Special thanks to the wonderful hospice workers who cared for our mother and the medical professionals who tenderly assisted us on our journey. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!  Please visit www.portertiddfuneralhome.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to Dortha's family.