Alberta A. Ross

Alberta Ahler Ross of Harriman, born April 12, 1929, in LaFollette, TN left this life August 7, 2011. To all who knew her, she was a gentle nurturing woman who had a special passion for her church, her family, her community, and all her children who came through her school or classroom doors. She graduated from Harriman High School in 1947. She earned her B.S. degree in home economics with a minor in science and elementary education from Maryville College in 1950. After teaching for many years at Central Elementary School in Harriman, she attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earned an MS degree in administration and education supervision in 1975. For twelve years she was principal of Central Elementary School. She was passionately involved in many civic organizations in Harriman: Women’s Club, Drama Club, Music Club, Garden Club, Jaycettes, Band-Aides, Parent Teacher Organization, Delta Kappa Gamma, educational sorority, and Harriman Education Association. She was an active member of the Harriman United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and worked with the vacation Bible school for many years. Music was also a passion and she used her vocal talents in the church choir. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Albert P. and Mattie Brown Ahler of Harriman. She is survived by: her husband (and high school sweetheart) of sixty years, William Davidson Ross; her daughters, Martha Ross Raisanen (Wally), and Betsy Ross Schwepfinger (Dr. Brook); granddaughters, Julia, Rebecca, and Rachel Schwepfinger, all of Harriman; Brother, Dr. Julian Ahler, (Margo), Kingston; sister, Mary Ellen Ahler Bodman, Lincoln, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Robert Ross, Kingston; Sisters-in-law, Helen Livingston Ross, Knoxville, formerly of Harriman, Joan McCartt Ross, Clearwater, FL; nieces and nephews, Cindy Lundy, Carol Irwin (Howard), Chuck Ross (Ellen), Donna Bell, (Mike), Jay Ross (Jennifer), Rusty Ross (Angelia), Patti Ledford (Jeff), Rick Ross (Jennifer), Lee Chambers (Brenda), Melanie Lechner (Brad), Julian Chambers (Kristina), Rob Ahler (Dr. Kristen Lay), Chris Ahler, and a host of great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Harriman United Methodist Church building fund. Funeral will be Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at six pm at Harriman United Methodist Church. Receiving of friends will follow the service until nine pm. Kyker’s of Harriman is in charge of arrangements.

Alberta A. Ross

April 12, 1929 - August 7, 2011