Betty Jo worked for Southwestern Bell Company for three years and was proud to witness the dial tone system installed in Monticello. Most of her working career was as an administrative assistant for the First United Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, the mayor's office, Rep. James Jordan's office, and the MEDC, all in Monticello. Betty Jo was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as church treasurer, secretary of the board, a choir and circle member. Betty Jo was named Monticello's Woman of the Year in 1979 and received the Distinguished Service Award for the community in 1983. She was also a member of PEO and DAR.
In addition to her parents, Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Henry Lee Ross, and husband, George Pruett. Survivors include her five daughters, "The Ross Girls:" Jody Gladden (Billy), Kathy Norris, Sandy Funderburg (David), Patty Ross, and Tammy Lawson (Paul) all of Monticello; eleven grandchildren, Monica Harris (Steve), Kelly Griffin (Kevin), Meghan Amoroso, Stephen Norris, Chance Norris(Tabitha), Danny Funderburg (Jan), Jennifer Jordan (Kevin), Whitney Maggard (Jacob), Olivia Ashcraft (Andy), Amy Howard, and James Savage (Julie); twenty-six great grandchildren, and fifteen great, great grandchildren; a stepsister , Bobye Ann Bryant of Warren Arkansas.
Graveside services will be at 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, January 9 at Oakland Cemetery with the Rev. Bryan Diffee and Rev. Lori Fallon officiating.
Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main Street, Monticello, Arkansas, 71655 or the charity of your choice.
Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(19)
Phyllis Stanford Mosley
Sheridan, AR Friday, January 22, 2021 Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Betty Jo’s passing... I somehow came across her obituary when looking up Stephenson’s website for something concerning my mom, or I wouldn’t have known.... although I didn’t know her extremely well, it seems that she was a part of my childhood in a way, and from reading about her I know that she had a very rich life full of a huge family that loved her very much! It doesn’t matter how old you are, it still is very hard to lose a parent, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!!Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 10, 2021 Dear Family,I was sad to hear about your mom. She was a very beautiful person inside and out. She was one of those people that I have known all my life. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Sherry O'Neill-Rawls
, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 Tammy, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mother. I just lost mine Dec. 6th, so I know your pain. I pray God will comfort you & give you the strength you need to get through this. May he bless you & your family.Wayne and Tonya Hudgens
Hot Springs, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family!Larry and Charlotte Wilson
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 So very sorry for your loss! She was a joy to work with!Kathryne and Kenneth Burton
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 I am so sorry to hear of this. She was a wonderful lady, a great Mom, super Grandmother, and Great=Grandmother. Regards to all the girls; we love you all. Kathryne.Elgenia/Jim Ross
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 A special Cousin; a Wonderful person who will trulybe missed by all of us
Elgenia/Jim
Don Ross
Zachary, LA Saturday, January 9, 2021 Dear Jody, Kathy, Sandy, Patty and Tammy, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I am extremely sorry that I cannot be at the graveside service this afternoon. If I were at the graveside how sad that I would not be able to hug each of you, so I want you to know that I love all of you and my heart, thought and prayers are with you all at this time. Your mother was a special part of the Ross family for oh, so many years! I will keep each of you and her in my prayers. DonBilly Collins
Little Rock, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 Jody & family you are in our prayers. Your mother was always so nice to me. I visited her in the nursing home & she always knew meDenise Adams
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 9, 2021 I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I didn't know Mrs. Ross, but I know most of her daughters, and that shows me that she was a wonderful mother. Her daughters are some of the sweetest women I know. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Grace and to peace to you all. - Denise AdamsClassie Jones Green
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 Mrs Betty Jo was Beautiful inside out. So Pretty & Professional !!. My Love ,Sympathy & Prayers To the Whole FamilyAlvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 To family: our thoughts and prayers are with you. Great lady and will be missed. Love and hugs to each of you.Gloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 So sorry for your loss, she was a sweet lady Prayers for allTammie Atkins
Monticello, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 Our SympathyPhillip & Tammie Atkins
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 "The Ross Girls",I am so sorry for your loss..Your mom was such a beautiful and precious lady whom we all loved! I pray God surrounds you with His loving arms to give you peace and comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
Gloria Browder
Monticello, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 What a sweet lady. The Dickinsons go way back with the Ross family. I am so sorry for your loss. I love you girls.Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Friday, January 8, 2021 I’m so sorry for your loss of Mrs.. Betty.. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.Tiny Thatcher Irons
Fort Worth, TX Thursday, January 7, 2021 I am so sorry to hear of this wonderful lady’s passing. I spent a great deal of my childhood in the Ross household and it was a magical place. Wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers are with Jody, Kathy, Sandy, Patti, and Tammy and their families. May God give you peace through all of your wonderful memories.Mary Donaldson
Monticello, AR Thursday, January 7, 2021 So sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady!