It's with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frances Theresa Ross (nee Balaski), in the early morning of October 22/2019, at the age of 85 years.
Frances is predeceased by her mother, Helen Balaski (nee Rusnak) & father, Thomas Nicholas Balaski, her brothers; Lloyd Lemaire, Alexander Balaski, Thomas N. Balaski, William Balaski, Johnny Balaski, Thomas J. Balaski, sisters; Emma Campbell, Jenny Ferrari, Ethel Hughes, Helen Gallagher, Catrina Dysta, son Donald Ross, and grandson Nicholas Funke.
Frances is survived by her brothers; Michael Balaski (Dianne), Arthur Balaski, sisters; Marg Matson, Elsie (Gerald) Springer , Sons; John Ross, Robert Ross, Daughter: Susan Funke, Grandchildren; Stephanie Ross (Jason Ottesen), Mandy MacLeod (Sean), Jason Smith (Aylsha), Natalya Palladino, Ean Ross, Joseph Ross, Cara Funke, Jessica Ross, Victoria Ross, Desiree Golnick-Ross, and Great Grand-daughter: Hermonie Golnick-Ross.
Frances was born into a farm family in Regina, Saskatoon during the depression. The family lived near a flight training base which trained the Royal Canadian Airforce during WW2. The family was poor and lived off the land, and it was common for the kids to beg for food from food carts, on passing trains. Although times were hard, the kids still managed to make some fun for themselves. Fran was one of 16 kids, the oldest in the 2nd family that her father had, which lived just down the road from the first family. The kids of both families bonded together, and stayed close all through the years.
After Frances' dad passed away in 1945 she was sent to live with her brother Alex and his wife Ruth in Vernon BC. She always said that when she stepped off the bus, she had stepped into God's country, and never wanted to leave. Here is where she met her future husband, Edward (Ted) Ross, a friend of Alex's. The two were married a few years later, and together had 4 children (John, Susan, Robert, and Donald). Although they divorced, they still remained friends until Ted's death in 1992.
Through the years she ran many kitchens in Vernon, from Smitty's down on 28th Ave., to the main Lodge up at Silver Star Mountain. She also ran the kitchen in the Capri Hotel in Kelowna for a time. Frances also got the opportunity to cook for the Queen, during the Queen's visit to Vernon in May 1971. She took great pride in this. When she spoke of those days, she always shared how hard the work was, but that those times were some of her happiest, due to all the people she encountered. Back in the day she was known to throw parties at her home after work, where they would dance for hours. Fran would be the life of the party.
She was a fantastic cook and baker. When you came to her home it would be filled with fresh baking during the holidays, fresh veggies in the summer from her humungous garden in her back yard, and fresh canning the fall.
During the second chapter of her life, she spent most of her time either with her grandkids or in her garden. A lot of times it was both. She was always buzzing around, busy doing some sort of project with the yard. As well, she also spent a lot time out at the farm with John and his girls. It was rare to find her inside.
You were always me with a smile from Frances, and a big hug. But she certainly was a straight shooter, and was not afraid to tell you what she thought. She cared for everyone, always giving as much as she could. And everyone who met Frances fell in love with her. She will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Van Zyl, Dr. Abel-Kader, Dr. Dippenear, and the staff at Coldstream Meadows, Polson Long Term Care, and Noric House for all the special care given to Frances. Also, a thank you to Fr Peter for all your support to Frances and the family.
The service will be held at the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home November 16/2019 @ 11am, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
Arrangements entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral home 4333 Pleasant Valley Rd Vernon 250-542-4333 condolences may be left at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com.
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