of North Little Rock, AR
May 20, 1928 - May 10, 2019
Geneva Jane Gordon Ross of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away May 10, 2019.
Jane was born May 20, 1928 in Marianna, AR, to John and Geneva Gordon. Jane leaves her beloved husband Aaron Ross, sons Bob Ross (Lynn) Maumelle, AR; Morris Ross (Debi) North Little Rock, sisters, Margie Steinbeck of Tampa Florida and Merle Hill of Mt. Vernon, WA. She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Ross, daughter Deborah Ross, brothers John and Frank Gordon.
''And so together, they built a life they loved.'' Janie and Aaron's life has been a love story lasting over 73 years of marriage. Janie met Aaron at his Dad's People's Department Store in Helena, AR.
Janie loved and adored her grandchildren John, Lori, Corey, Mitchell and great grandchildren Alex, Leo, Connor and Roman Ross. Many nieces and nephews were also loved by her.
During their life journey, Janie and Aaron moved from Helena, AR to California, Florida and back to Helena then North Little Rock. Jane worked for Tappan Abstract in Helena.
In 1971 the couple chose to move to North Little Rock to realize their dream. Together, they partnered in the planning, building and launching of Sir Loin's Inn Restaurant and traveled to every state in the United States and many foreign countries.
Janie was a member of the Burn's Park Women's Golf Association where she played regular tournaments and enjoyed golfing activities with her many friends. She loved cooking, golfing, travel and their dogs Suzy, Buster and Molly.
She cherished her family and many friends and was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church. Jane was a living example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She lived a life of love, kindness, compassion, light and joy. She blessed those who knew her and those she would only meet briefly. Most of all, Jane adored her husband, Aaron. ''I have found the one whom my soul loves.'' Song of Solomon 3:4 is a perfect example of their devotion to one another. Her memory will be forever in our hearts.
Pallbearers: John, Corey, Mitchell and Alex Ross, Tim Stramel, Vernon McClain.
The family is deeply grateful to: Fox Ridge NLR; The Lakes of Maumelle; Baptist Health; and Kindred Hospice.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Burial to follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, 301 Carnahan Drive, Maumelle, AR. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the funeral home.
Memorial gifts may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or St. Jude's Hospital.
I found the words that Leo used in my Mother’s Day card to be quite profound as I reflected on the loss of Janie this week. Leo said “I love mommy because mommy loves me” and “I love mommy because she gives me hugs and kisses”. These are the kind of honest answers that we wouldn’t give as adults for fear of sounding selfish, but is there really any greater testament to a mother’s love? Janie was special because she treated everyone with a mother’s love…not just her own children but everyone she met. From the first time I met her and Aaron, they treated me as if I was their own grandchild. They received me with excitement and acceptance and pride. They greeted me with hugs and kisses and asked me if I needed anything. On holidays, I received the same gifts as their own. I was special to them, but so was everyone else; there were no favorites. And I loved them because they loved me.
What if we all could receive others the way we would our own children? What if we could greet every adult we met with love and acceptance, nothing to be earned or proven? I will never be as good as Janie; she had a pureness of heart that was one in a million. But I can keep her in my heart and on my mind and I can try to be more like her. I was so lucky to know her.
Debi, I was not aware of your loss until yesterday. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will keep all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I was one of the fortunate people. I was lucky enough that my first job was working for Aaron & Janie Ross. Janie was the mother of our family at Sir Loin's Inn. When I still tell the story of the atmosphere they created there, it sounds like fiction from another world. In over 10 years there, I absolutely never saw anything from Janie, except her wonderful smile and sweet demeanor... such a beautiful soul. Bridget and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Ross and the family.
Janie, We have so many good memories of you and Aaron when you lived in Helena, many years ago. What a wonderful person you were. You and Aaron were the perfect example of what a married couple should be like.
Your life, we are sure, was a blessing to everyone who knew you and you will be missed by many. God bless you for the good example you set. Aaron we pray that you will be given the strength to live the rest of your life.
To ; Aaron, Bob, Morris and family.
I am sorry for the loss of Jane.
I remember the days past of Christmas parties at the 10th St. home and the many activities we all shared.
May you be blessed at this time of loss of a sweet lady.
Sherrald & Kitty Jones
In support of Bob, Lynn, Lori and Alex at this time. From a far.
I believe most folks that worked at the Loin would agree that Mr. and Mrs. Ross were our surrogate parents. They exemplified hard work and devotion to each other and us. Mrs. Ross had a contagious smile, always upbeat and interested in what we doing as individuals. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mrs. Ross and extend my deepest sympathies to the family, but especially Mr. Ross. Much love, John Kresse
We will miss you Mrs Ross. You helped so many people in the years at Sir Loins Inn. You were always such a pleasure to be around and I always enjoyed our talks