Obituary: Bernice Louise Ross

Funeral services for Bernice L. Ross, 83, of Athens are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013  at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Athens, Texas with burial following at Willow Springs Cemetery near Athens.

Ms. Ross went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 in Athens.

Bernice Louise Heitz Ross was born July 27, 1929 in Sheldon, Mo., the daughter of Ted Heitz and Winnie Mae Hieronymus Heitz. She was a member of the Willow Springs Baptist Church in Athens. She loved sewing, quilting and reading. She worked countless hours on genealogy loving the history her family has been through. “Nini” was a loving mother, sister and grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ronald Dalton Ross; her son-in-law James Leslie; and a brother Charles Heitz.

Bernice is survived by her children, Jeanne Leslie of New Boston, Texas, Wayne McGrath and wife Carol of Ft. Worth, Texas, Ronald Ross and wife Diane of Athens; four brothers, Edward, Lester, Bob, Paul Heitz; two sisters, Marilyn Malcom, Janice Preston; seven grandchildren, Shane Morgan, Ryan Leslie, Jason Leslie, Alesha Leslie, Amanda Meiners, Jeremy Blackmon, Elizabeth Cook, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation was held Friday, March 22, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens, Texas.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Cook Family.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

You may light a memorial candle or write condolences to the family at www.hannigansmith.com.