Sharon Ross

Sharon M. Ross, age 83 of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2017.

Memorial mass will be 11:00 am, Friday, October 13, 2017 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 8694 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior.  Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Sharon Margaret Ross was born on July 23, 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota to Earl and Amy (Smith) Lowe and graduated as Salutatorian at Duluth Denfeld High School in 1952.  While in high school was the Minnesota State Debate Champion.

In 1957 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Journalism and Home Economics.  At the University, she worked on The Minnesota Daily. Sharon worked at the Minneapolis Athletic Club for a short time before meeting the love of her life, Michael J. Ross.  They were married in April, 1960 and lived in Grand Rapids for a few years before moving to St. Paul.  She worked for the St. Paul Park Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington County Bulletin all while staying active with her children’s activities.  She started as a magazine editor in 1974 with Webb Publishing Company in St. Paul, a job she thoroughly enjoyed and which allowed her to meet so many wonderful people.  Sharon was passionate about supporting women in journalism and served as the President of the Press Women of Minnesota and of Home Economists in Business. She was also active as a Committee Chairwoman for the National Association of Press Women.  Sharon was on the Parish Council at St. Rita’s and sponsored several adults when they became Catholic.  She will always be remembered as a warm, gracious and generous person.

She is preceded in death by her son Michael David; brother Jerry Lowe and sister Lou Ann Stack; parents Earl and Amy Lowe.  She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Michael; children Gregory (Pam) Ross; daughter Susan Ross; grandson Jordan; sister Judy Taran and brother Earl F. Lowe III.