Mrs. Mae Ross, 99, of Barbourville, passed away Thursday morning, May 15, 2025 at her home. She was born April 15, 1926 in Wilton, the daughter of the late Mart and Effie Smith Vanover.
Mae was a devoted homemaker and a cherished member of the East Barbourville Baptist Church. She found great joy in caring for her family, cooking, tending flowers, gardening and canning. Mae also had a love for travel and shopping.
On May 5, 1945, she united in marriage with Thomas Richard Ross.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by children, Francis Ross Rowland, Harold Partin, Ronnie, Charles, Tommy and Carl Ross; a sister, Edith Vanover and two grandchildren, Tammy Ross and Jason Ross.
Survivors include her loving children, Mike Ross and Shirley of Artemus, Steve Ross and wife, Beth, of Knoxville, TN, Melanie Ross of Hamilton, OH, Jake Ross of Barbourville, Susie Ross Gambrel and husband, Clifford, of Lexington, Melissa Ross Corey and husband, Mike, of Bimble and Kenitha Ross Warren of Corbin; a daughter-in-law, Valerie Ross of Trace Branch; a son-in-law, Vernon Rowland of Barbourville; 21 grandchildren, Barry Rowland and wife, Rhonda, Jill Wilburn and husband, Keith, Sheila Gray and husband, Mark, Lindsey Moree and husband, Tommy, Whitney Bull and husband, Jake, Shannon Hensley and husband, Benny, Steve Gambrel and wife, Annette, Jarrod O’Connor, Justin O’Connor and Jessie, Richi Gambrel, John Ross Gambrel and wife, Shira, Brooke Cain and husband, Josh, Brandon, Bradlee and Bryan Warren, Sheila Ulmer and husband, Tim, Sherri, Kim, Scott, Wade and Levon Ross; 22 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; special friends, Louise Disney, Pam Brown, Tooder Blevins, Ethel Mills and Evelyn Mills; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, May 18 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Steve Ross and Rev. James Vandy officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons. Honorary bearers will be her cherished granddaughters, Dr. Vora, Jamie Wilder, Dr. Lohe, Rev. Josh Smith and the East Barbourville Baptist Church family, Peyton Barnhill and the Turkey Creek Baptist Church family, special caregivers, Janet Taylor, Joyce Patterson, Mary Carmack, Karen Johnson, Jessica Turner, Sherry Jones and Nellie Messer and Bluegrass Hospice including Rev. Dennis Hammons, Heather, Dominique, Samantha and Susan.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 5 and 8 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of MAE VANOVER ROSS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
