Loretta Bernadine Ross

LORETTA BERNADINE DILLON ROSS

Loretta B. Ross, 107, passed away peacefully at home, with family by her side, on January 2, 2026. She was born November 24, 1918, on her family farm in Colwood, Michigan, to Edward A. and Maude (Reid) Dillon. Loretta married Bernard “Bun” Ross September 28, 1940, at St. Agatha’s Church in Gagetown. They shared sixty-five years of marriage before Bun preceded her in death on May 5, 2005.

During her long and blessed life, Loretta witnessed two pandemics, the Great Depression, and World War II, and lived through nineteen presidents. She always said that electricity was the single advancement that most changed her life. Ever adaptable, Loretta embraced new technology and enjoyed reading on her Kindle and staying connected with family through phone calls, Facetime, and social media.

Loretta attended the Frenchtown one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Gagetown High School in 1936. During her high school years, she and her sister rented rooms with other farm girls in Gagetown during the week, visiting home on the weekends. After graduation, Loretta held several jobs before meeting and marrying Bun. Together, Loretta and Bun owned and operated The Federated Store in Cass City for forty-one years. They loved working on Main Street and valued the relationships they built with their customers and community. Loretta and Bun were devoted members of St. Pancratius Church and its Altar Society. They joined the parish in 1940 and were actively involved throughout their lives.

Loretta loved to bake and collect new recipes, and she always had a fresh batch of her grandchildren’s favorite chocolate chip cookies waiting when they visited. She also enjoyed knitting, reading, and tending to her flower garden. Loretta was a big sports fan, and especially loved cheering for the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue! She enjoyed entertaining and visiting with people. Loretta often lent a listening ear for her many friends and family, spending hours on the phone. We will all miss her great conversations and advice on life.

Loretta emphasized the importance of family, and loving and caring for one another, and she had a profound influence on her grandchildren. In honor of her 100th birthday, her grandchildren planned a day trip together to get matching tattoos of her signature. While she may not have fully approved, she was deeply touched and honored by the gesture. Loretta’s legacy of love and connection lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Loretta is survived by her children: Jerry (Deborah) Ross, Fr. Richard Ross, S.J., Robert (Patti) Ross, Sharon (Dan) Delamarter, and Mary (Jack) Thacker; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Tim) Luke, Tyler (Leah) Ross, Amanda (Brad) Rider, Jessica Ross, Erica (Nick) Swanson, Danielle (Chris) Delamarter, Cody Ross, Dillon (Dana) Ross, Jared (Keriann) Thacker, Alex (Elle) Ross, Zachary (Amanda) Thacker, Jonas (Danielle) Thacker; Rebecca (Scott) Elser, and Dawne (Otto) Geiseman; great-grandchildren: Gracie, Nolan, Emerson, Bryce, Alec, Julian, Jude, Beau, Cameron, Ezra, Aletha, Eva, and Otto. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Shirley (Delbert) Law; sisters: Marie Dillon, Sr. Mary Amanda Dillon, O.P., Ellen Dillon, Genevieve (Roy) Wood; brothers: Leo Dillon, LeRoy Dillon, Jack (Marjorie) Dillon, Harold (June) Dillon, Patrick (Rosie) Dillon; and all of her beloved Ross in-laws and “out-laws.”

Memorial mass held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 in Our Lady Consolata, Cass City with her son, Fr. Richard Ross, officiating. Memorials may be made to Rawson Memorial Library or donors choice. A celebration of life is being planned for the summer.

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 in Our Lady Consolata, Cass City