Louise Elizabeth Ross

Louise Elizabeth Ross, born on June 8, 1951, in Mannheim, Germany, was a woman whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Her journey spanned continents, weaving a tapestry of love, laughter, and resilience. Louise passed away on September 24, 2024 in Mapleton, Oregon.

Louise’s childhood was marked by the rich blend of German and American cultures. In 1962, her family embarked on a transatlantic voyage, leaving behind the picturesque landscapes of Germany for the rugged beauty of Colorado, USA. It was here that Louise’s adventurous spirit took root.

After graduating from Mitchell High School, Louise sought new horizons. She packed her dreams and headed north, settling in the wilds of Alaska. There, she found purpose as a file maintenance manager at Safeway for 36 years—a role that allowed her to organize not just paperwork, but also the lives of those around her.

In 1981, Oregon beckoned, and Louise answered the call. The lush forests, misty mornings, and friendly faces became her sanctuary. She embraced the Pacific Northwest with open arms, creating a life that would flourish here for decades. Only brief sojourns to Kansas and Colorado interrupted her Oregonian love.

Louise was more than a party enthusiast; she was the heartbeat of every gathering. Her laughter echoed through crowded rooms, and her generosity knew no bounds. If you needed a helping hand or a listening ear, Louise was there, ready to give the shirt off her back—literally and metaphorically.

Her love extended to her roles as a mother, friend, and pet owner. Louise’s children—Connie, Jason, and Jessica—were her pride and joy. She reveled in their accomplishments, offering unwavering support. And her home was never without a furry companion—the wagging tails and purring whiskers providing solace and companionship.

Louise’s creativity knew no bounds. Dollar Tree and Walmart were her treasure troves, where she sourced materials for her ever-evolving projects.

And when the day’s work was done, she’d curl up with a Lifetime movie or an Ann Rule book. The suspense and drama of true crime fascinated her, and she’d lose herself in the pages or on the screen.

Louise leaves behind a legacy of love. Her siblings—Leroy, Michael, Cathy, Dolores, Sandra, and Paul—will forever cherish memories of shared laughter and sibling bonds. Her grandchildren—Devin, Kyllie, Alexandria, Ellie, Gabriel, Michael, Abagail, Sophia, and Brody—carry her spirit forward, a testament to her nurturing heart. Louise was further blessed with three great-grandchildren Emiliana Avayah Graika-Velez, Avena Valentina Graika-Velez, and Colson Grey Garcia.

Yet, even as we celebrate her life, we mourn the loss of her son, Christopher Graika, and her parents, Rosalia and Leroy Francis Cross. Their memory intertwines with hers, a bittersweet reminder of the fragility of existence. Louise Ross will be dearly missed.