Rose Ross, 86, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Somerford Assisted Living-Frederick in Frederick, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Born on July 3, 1939, in Baltimore, Rose was the cherished daughter of Frank W. Kreig and Mary Josephine (Bevans) Kreig. She carried her Baltimore roots proudly throughout her life - greeting everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt “Hon,” a simple word that made strangers feel like family.

Affectionately known as “Shuggie” to those who loved her most, Rose was a woman of deep faith, joyful spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. She received her Catholic education at The Catholic High School of Baltimore and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mount St. Agnes College. Her calling to teach was more than a profession - it was a ministry. She shared her gifts as a Catholic elementary school teacher in Raleigh, Richmond, and Emmitsburg, shaping young hearts and minds with patience, kindness, and grace.

Rose met the love of her life, Ronald D. Ross, Sr., on a blind date when she was just 15½ years old. From that moment on, they were never truly apart. Married in 1961, their 64-year love story became the foundation of a beautiful family. Together they raised three sons, Joe, Ronnie, and Greg, whom she loved with all her heart. Her devotion to her boys was boundless, and her pride in the men they became was evident in every word she spoke about them.

In addition to her years in the classroom, Rose later brightened the days of countless customers while working in retail, eventually retiring from Macy's in Frederick. Whether teaching children or helping shoppers, she served everyone with the same radiant smile and genuine warmth.

Rose had a lifelong love of movie musicals and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. She faithfully sang hymns at Mass each week, praising God in the way that brought her the greatest joy. At family dinners, she would hum contentedly while she ate - a small but treasured sign of her happiness. Her laughter was infectious and filled every room with light.

Above all, Rose was devoted entirely to her beloved husband, Ron, her partner, her greatest love, and her best friend. The tenderness they shared was an example to all who knew them.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Ronald D. Ross, Sr.; her sons Joe and his wife Mary, Ron and his wife Jennifer, and Greg Ross; her cherished grandchildren Zachary, Lucas, and Jacob Ross; Jordan Graham; and Karolina Ross; and five adored great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jo Losovsky; her niece and goddaughter Mary Hoffman and husband Jason; her great-nephews Noah and Kevin; her great-niece Allison; and dear family friends Eric and Kelley Marcus.

Rose was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her sisters Jane Kreig and Anne White; her sister-in-law Kathleen Ross; her brother-in-law Melvin Losovsky; and her nephew Melvin J. Losovsky.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm, on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD.

A celebration of Rose’s beautiful life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 116 E. Second Street, Frederick, MD. Fr. Mike McDermott will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, with a private family repast afterward.

Rose’s life was a song - sung in faith, in love, and in joy. Though her voice is now silent to our ears, its melody will echo in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.