Betty R. (Ellenberger) Ross, Mission Chateau Assisted Living, Leawood, KS, passed away February 24, 2026 at the age of 102 years.

 

Betty was born on November 10, 1923, to Dale and Lora (Spicer) Ellenberger in Polo, MO.  She was the oldest of four children, twin brothers, Dean and Don, and youngest brother, Keith.

 

She graduated from Polo High School and attended one year of college at Northwest Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, MO.  Her first full time employment was one year with an insurance company in Kansas City, MO and she was then hired by TWA for a secretarial position and remained with the company for the next 40 years.  She moved with the company to New York City in 1949, and served there as executive secretary to several Vice Presidents of the company, living there until 1977, subsequently moving back to the KC area and retiring from TWA in 1983.

 

She married Gordon Ross in 1960 and enjoyed 32 years of married life until his death in 1992.  Gordon was an artist working as an illustrator in the advertising field.  Living in New York City the couple were afforded many opportunities to share their love of the arts, enjoying museums, art galleries, symphonies and Broadway shows.  They were avid travelers and over the years were fortunate to visit many countries of the world.

 

Betty was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gladstone, MO where she enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as participating in other activities of the church with special friends there.  She served as a member of the Kansas City Symphony Guild and appreciated friendships she made as a member of her local Book Club.

 

Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, were brother, Dean Ellenberger, sisters-in-law Dorothy (Mrs. Keith) Ellenberger and Barbara (Mrs. Don Ellenberger). 

 

Surviving are: brothers, Don Ellenberger, Minneapolis, MN and Keith (Shirley) Ellenberger, Leawood, KS and sister-in-law Beverly (Mrs. Dean) Ellenberger, Overland Park, KS. Nieces and nephews: Meganne Leighton (Randy), Kevin Ellenberger (Peggy), Jean Strain, Lynn Ashe (Steve), Kurt Ellenberger (Julie), John Ellenberger (Liz), Brad Ellenberger (Betsy) and Ann Ellenberger Hamilton. There are also thirteen great-nieces and nephews.

 

Following cremation, the family will have a private graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Plattsburg, MO.