Obituary of Jacqueline L. Ross
Cedar Park, TX---Jacqueline Louise Canfield Ross, 83, of Cedar Park, TX, passed peacefully on December 30, 2020 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She had been under the care of her husband, family and Hospice at home in Cedar Park, TX, where she received loving and compassionate care, a testimony to her unprecedented survival with Alzheimer’s.
Born on August 10, 1937 in Ceres, Pennsylvania, Jackie was the youngest of 4 daughters and 3 sons born to Sherman and Eva Canfield. At the age of 13, she moved to Smethport, a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania (God’s country).
Her senior year was filled with activities: Editor of the Press Club, cheerleader, yearbook staff, library staff, drama club and in her “spare time” romanced by her high school sweetheart, voted “ ’Happy-go-lucky’ until he’s caught: even then he’ll try to laugh his way out” by his 1953 graduating class. In 1955 Jackie graduated Smethport High School, voted “Best Class Worker”, by her graduating class. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Happy-go-lucky” Ross, son of life-long Smethport residents, Anthony and Frances Ross, in 1955.
Jackie involved herself wholeheartedly in the work of the church, community service, opening her home to friends and family, and counseling those who came to her for advice. Her selfless work ethics serving others was her life-long ambition. One of her most notable contributions was her service to the greater Burlington, Vermont community, planning and coordinating IBM sponsored events such as the United Way Campaigns, Special Olympics, 5K Run-Walks to name just a few. In 1996, Jackie retired from IBM and in 1998, Bob and Jackie moved to Cedar Park, TX to be near family. One might say her most notable contribution was to the Leander ISD special needs children. She loved each child as her own and captured each smile in her keepsake of photos. “We know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28.
Jackie was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who always prioritized family over all else. Her love, support, compassion, commitment and service will continue to be second to none. Jackie’s home was always a welcoming haven and she was inspirational in her ability to gather people to her with warmth and compassion. She was in her element when she had loved ones around her table enjoying time together. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She was generous and giving, always sharing her talents, working on projects and serving others. She did everything for everyone! “Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help.” Proverbs 3:27. “It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for ...” Eph. 1:11. She was a devout Catholic and daughter of God. Out of hundreds of pictures gathered to celebrate her life, not one could be found that didn’t exemplify, “Give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you.” 1 Thess 5:18.
Sisters, Jeanne, Phyllis, & Arlena and Brothers, Sherman, Leon & Vern predeceased her. She is survived by her husband, Robert A Ross of 65 years, sons Robert Ross Jr and his wife Lisa, Michael Ross and his wife Diane, daughters Cathleen Paine and her husband Richard, Doreen Dutton and her husband Michael, grandsons DJ Dutton and his wife Stacy, Robert Paine, Charles Paine, Robert Ross III, Michael Ross Jr, granddaughters Katrina Payea and her husband Scott, Amber Ansley and her husband Carlos, Kaitlyn Ross, Jessamyn Reynolds and her husband Brent, Danielle Thomas and her husband Robert, Heather Dutton and Jackie’s 11 precious great grandchildren Madison, Jaxon, Brock, Julia, Caden, Cayne, Aria, Chance, Maya, Oliver and Jackson.
Though she will be dearly missed by those she’s left behind, we rejoice in her love for Jesus Christ and her reunion with God, her heavenly father. “I have upheld you since you were conceived, and I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you.” Isa. 46:3-5. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.” Rev. 21:4.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 4 at Beck’s Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX followed by a Rosary service. Mass will be on Tuesday at St Thomas Moore, 10205 N FM 620, Austin, TX.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport, PA on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 10 AM, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.
Arrangements are under the direction of Beck’s Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX. Local Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.