Helen Ross

Helen was born May 24, 1930, in Crystal Falls, the daughter of the late John and Aili (Kallio) Saari. She graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1948 as salutatorian of her class and attended Suomi college in Hancock, graduating in 1949.

She married Clinton Ross on Aug. 11, 1951, and they shared 73 years of marriage. Helen was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and was thrilled to welcome great-grandchildren.

Helen worked at the Department of Social Services in Iron County from 1955 until her retirement. She was an active member of United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls, singing in the choir for over 60 years. Helen was a great cook and looked forward to making meals for family gatherings. All you had to bring was your appetite.

She loved flowers, decorating her home, and had a flare for fashion. After her retirement, Helen and Clinton vacationed in Florida every winter with friends and other “snowbirds” from the UP. Helen loved her family deeply and will be greatly missed.

Helen is survived by her husband, Clinton; their two children, Janet (Dave) McCloskey and Faye (Jeff) Heimerl; grandchildren, Eric Heimerl, Dana (Mike) Tuffelmire, Sarah (John) Freiberg, Kathryn (Ohad Sheffy) McCloskey; great-grandchildren, Aili, Suzanna, and Chase Freiberg, Tannen and Jones Tuffelmire, Talia, Eleanor, and Maya Sheffy.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son, David Ross.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor D.J. Rasner will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Lutheran Church in Helen’s memory.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the Iron County Medical Care Facility and to the dedicated and caring staff who worked in the Willow Memory Care Unit.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Helen Ross online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.