Isobel Phyllis Ross

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA Isobel Ross age 88 of Rock Rapids, IA died Friday April 16, 2010 at the Rock Rapids Health Centre in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, April 21st at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Dean Shelly officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 20th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Isobel Phyllis Ann Ross was born December 21, 1921 in Rock Rapids, IA to John and Alma (Siebsen) Nagel. She was raised and received her education in Rock Rapids, graduating from Wilson High School. During her school years Isobel discovered she had a gift for singing and throughout her school career she sang in the choir. After her high school graduation she was soloist for the Rock Rapids Mens Choir. Much to her delight, it has become apparent that her talent for singing has been passed down to other members of the family. On January 28, 1943 she was united in marriage to Hugo P. Ross at the First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, CA and the couple made their home and raised their family in Rock Rapids. She worked as a hair dresser at the Jongeward Funeral Home, at the Lyon County State Bank, the Montgomery Wards store in Rock Rapids, and later at the Rock Rapids Health Centre as head cook. Isobel was a wonderful cook and her family will long remember the delicious meals she lovingly prepared for them. She and her husband loved to take their children and friends to the family cabin on Spirit Lake where they shared many hours of fishing and fun together. Tragically it was at the cabin in 1962 when Isobel lost her husband Hugo to a heart attack. She loved her family and friends deeply. She also found room in her heart for dogs, especially the schnauzers that shared her life throughout the years. Her special four legged friends brought her much joy. But mostly, she looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will forever remember sitting quietly and listening to her many stories, in which she would assign every character a special voice. They will also cherish the memories of her singing, her special smile and her wonderful meals. She will be missed greatly. Isobel was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Rapids and was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also spent many happy hours playing bridge with her friends. This past Friday, Isobel passed away at the Rock Rapids Health Centre at the age of 88. Isobel is survived by daughter, Barbara (Dick) Sprock of Rock Rapids, IA; daughter-in-law, Betty (Jeff) Popkes of Rock Rapids; grandson, Jeremy (Krista) Sprock of Rock Rapids; granddaughters, Jessica Sprock of Emmetsburg and her fianc Patrick Joyce, Kristy Ross of Lismore, MN and her fianc Andrew Loosbrock, Jaymie (Robert) Krukow of Luverne, MN; grandson, Ryan Ross of Long Beach, CA; and granddaughter, Kayla Ross of Iowa City, IA; 5 great-grandchildren, Caymen Krukow, Paisley Krukow, Quintin Sprock, Brendin Sprock, and Tate Joyce; brother, Dixon (Nancy) Nagel of Little Rock, IA; and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alma Nagel; her husband Hugo P. Ross; 2 sons in infancy; son, Randy Ross; brother, Leo Nagel; sister, Florence Menage.