Linda V. Ross, age 86, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away on May 19, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.
Linda was born in 1939 in Benton, Illinois, to John and Juanita VanLeer. John was a talented trumpet player who had his own band that toured Europe. He was also fortunate to have played with Louis Armstrong. Her mother, Juanita, was a kindergarten and first-grade teacher. In Linda’s early childhood, the family traveled some while her father worked as a salesman for Helena Rubinstein. They later settled back in Benton, Illinois, where her father opened his own men’s clothing store.
Linda attended Benton High School and graduated in 1957. She spent her summers working as a lifeguard. After high school, she attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and English. Shortly after college, she reconnected with the love of her life, Dr. Marvin “Pete” Ross. Linda told her mother in eighth grade that she was going to marry Pete, and she did just that in December 1961.
Linda taught high school English until the birth of her first daughter, Petrie, in 1965. Her daughter Kelly was born in 1968.
In 1976, Linda and Pete moved to Carrollton, Missouri, where they raised their daughters and enjoyed a full and active life. Linda will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother (“Bebe”), and devoted wife. Kelly would say that her parents had a “Hallmark kind of love” that is rare and special. Linda loved fashion, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family. Family always came first. The home was always filled with love and laughter. She was also a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, John and Juanita VanLeer, and her devoted husband, Dr. Marvin “Pete” Ross.
She is survived by her sister, Gretchen Adams, with whom she shared a very close bond. They were often described as “two peas in a pod.” She is also survived by her daughters, Petrie Flick and Kelly Ross (Lisa); grandsons Ryan Flick, Ross Flick, and Spencer Flick (Mallory); and great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Miya, Remi, Ryatt, Rhett, and Jensen.
In her memory, donations may be made to Shirkey Hospice or the Methodist Church.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Carrollton, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
