May Ross

Ethel May Ross of Graham, TX passed away Monday, March 22, 2021 in Wichita Falls, TX surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church – Graham. Reverend DC Adams presiding. Morrison Funeral Home is charge of the service.

May was born May 31, 1942 in Pascagoula, MS to the late Dewey and Caroline Graham. She joined the United States Marine Corps after her graduation from high school at a time when it was uncommon for women to be recruits. She served in a clerical position with the military police and was even used in recruiting films. She was proud of her military service and respectfully flew flags and participated in Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, or Memorial Day community events decked out in her patriotic attire.

She married James Ross on December 3, 1977 in Arlington, TX blending two families into one. They moved to Graham in 1980 to raise their four children. May was the Administrative Secretary for the Graham High School for almost twenty years retiring in 2008. She entertained the student body and staff with her mispronunciations of words and singing talents through her daily announcements.

May was a two-time cancer survivor and made many friends over the years amusing all with her one-of-a-kind personality. She will live on in others as her many May-stories are shared, especially the most recent story involving an Amtrak train ride. She loved gardening and decorating her home seasonally like magazine covers. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Women’s Interdenominational Bible Study, CLSC, and a volunteer for Meals on Meals.

Survivors include husband, James Ross of Graham, TX; daughters Karen Dies and husband Tommy of Graham, TX; Staci Taylor and husband Chris of Lipan, TX; Sharon Moore and husband Steve of Arlington, TX. Grandchildren Jordan Dies and wife Laura of Midland, TX; Zach Cantrell of Dallas, TX; Megan Hayes and husband Montana of Highland Village, TX; and Gavin Taylor of Lipan, TX; Great-granddaughters Lily Grace Dies and Jane Ryan Dies of Midland, TX. Brothers Larry Graham and wife Judy of Arlington, TX; and Johnny Graham of Prairieview, LA.

May was preceded in death by sons Dewey Malec and Steve Ross; sisters Fay Rogers, Loraine Rushing, and David Graham. May was honored to participate in the Willed Body Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center to further medical education and research studies. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 825 Fairview St., Graham, TX 76450.