Karen Lucille Ross, 77, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, at her home in Roswell, Georgia.

Karen was born in 1947 in Altoona, PA. Around the age of 12, she moved to Dearborn Heights, MI, with her family and later graduated from Lowrey High School in 1965.

It was on a blind date in high school when Karen first met Robert (Bob) Ross. The two were introduced to each other by another couple, and the four went out on a double date to a drive-in movie. Karen and Bob found themselves in a tense situation in the cramped space of the car when their friends fell into a heated argument.  As he walked her to her front door at the night's end, Bob asked Karen if she would like to "try this again, but alone next time." She accepted, and soon after, they were engaged and married in November of 1966. The two were best "buddies" for over 60 years.

Karen and Bob moved to Upstate New York shortly after their wedding, where Bob took his first job after college. Karen and Bob had their first child, Jennifer (Jenny), and their second child, Robert Jr. (Robbie).  The family relocated several times during Bob's career to Westland, MI; Colorado Springs, CO; and finally, to the Atlanta area. The couple turned each house into a home; Karen was always by Bob's side, ready to assist with his latest project.

In addition to being a proud wife and mother, Karen took pride in being a homemaker and a volunteer at her children's schools. She often took on responsibilities far beyond those of a typical "room parent." Her passion for volunteering and her love of children led to a job as a teacher's assistant at Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, GA. Following her work as a teaching assistant, Karen worked for Guest Services at North Point Mall, operating the iconic North Point Mall Carousel, and then at American Girl, coordinating parties and events. Around the same time, Karen became a grandmother and was delighted to share the carousel and American Girl experiences with both granddaughters.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Ned, mother, Edna, and brother, Ned Jr.

Karen leaves behind her loving husband Bob of 57 years, daughter Jenny (Alex), son Robbie, granddaughters Mahala and Ellie, sisters Debbie (Bill) and Lori (Jeff), and brother Kim. She will be greatly missed by all.

A service celebrating Karen's life will be held later this fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/support-us/donate/