1937
2013
Betsey Ross, 75
Chebeague Island – Betsey Ann Ross, 75, of Chebeague Island passed from this life to the next on Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness. She was born in Portland on August 25, 1937, the older of two daughters of Pearl (Rines) and Everett Ross. She was educated in Chebeague Island schools and graduated as the sole alumna from the class of 1956 at Chebeague Island High School.
Betsey worked for the US Postal Service on Chebeague Island from 1966 to 1992, the last seven as Post Master. She was active with Girl Scouts on the Island and served on the board of the Stephen Ross Scholarship Fund. She was an active member of the Ladies Aid of the Chebeague Island United Methodist Church and on their behalf sent countless cards to members as part of their card ministry outreach program.
Betsey was known as an avid card sender in her own right and readily sent a card for any reason or occasion. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidery as well as scrap booking, photo albums and genealogy. She will be remembered as a woman who was very kind with her words and actions. Her niece and nephews were the apples of her eyes, and she was known to spoil them a bit here and there.
Betsey is survived by her sister Natalie Parker of Raymond; her nephews: Robert L. Parker, II and his wife Candy and their children Bryce, Autumn, Brittney and Natalie of Hawaii; Steven W. Parker and his wife Margaret and their children Sydney and Benjamin of California; her niece Lynne M. Cary and her husband David and their son Zachary of Raymond; and a large extended family. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law Robert L. Parker.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday June 9, 2013 from 2-4 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. Those who wish may attend a short prayer service at 3 PM as part of the visiting hours. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 10 at 11:00 AM at the Chebeague Island United Methodist Church with burial immediately following. Transportation from the mainland to Chebeague Island for the funeral service on Monday is available through Chebeague Island Transportation Co. - parking at CTC lot on Rte. One Cumberland (arrive by 9:30 for 9:45 bus departure) Ferry will depart at 10:15 . Return Ferry will be at 2:30 pm. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Betsey's life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Betsey's memory to: Stephen Ross Scholarship Fund, c/o Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine, 04605 or to the Island Commons, Littlefield Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017. Please think of Betsey the next time you send a greeting card to a friend or neighbor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 4, 2013
Dianne Calder
If two entries appear, blame it on the inexperience of the sender. However,I do want to add my condolences to the RossParker family. Bets was one of my best friends for all our lives. We always had a good time together, usually at Ladies Aid, or going to church, or rides to the Whaler concerts, sometimes a supper but not often.. My kids have always called her "Aunt Betsey" and every single year at Christmas time and birthdays they always got that card from Aunt.
We will miss her terribly - it just won't be the same sometimes. Thank you Pearl and Grampie Bill and Betsey for being part of our lives. We loved you all. Love and a hug...Dianne and Dick Calder
June 2, 2013
Vicki Emery
For any Island child who grew up on Chebeague in the 50's 60's or 70's, Betsey was always a part of our lives. She baby sat for us and was always so kind. She was one of our Girl Scout leaders and helped us make beautiful Christmas gifts for our Mom's. She was such a presence at both Ladies Aid and the Chebeague Island Church. Her smile and warmth met each and all when we visited the Post Office and no Island child did not miss visiting the Ross house on Halloween.
I can not imagine the number of cards and notes that Betsey wrote and sent over the years. Thousands and thousands. When my children grew and eagerly watched for Christmas cards in the mail, they could not believe that we would not only receive a Holiday card, but then would receive a thank-you note for the photo card that we sent her!
She is surely resting in peace and if I could send her this in a card, I surely would.
June 2, 2013
A LADY OF UNASSUMING GRACE. SAD WE HAVE LOST A DEAR FRIEND.. HER CARDS AND EXPRESSIONS OF CARING WERE INSPIRING. HAVE BEEN BLESSED IN KNOWING BETSEY, SISTER. AND HER MOM AND DAD SINCE 1949. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. Bob Follette - Belchertown, Mass.
May 29, 2013
Anne Isenberg
Betsey was one of the icons of the famous Ladies Aid. Her card ministry was legendary, their effect extending beyond mere paper and postage ~ they provided comfort and compassion to Chebeaguers near and far. Natalie and family, I am so sorry for your loss, we will miss her.
May 27, 2013
Betsy, Nat, and I went to the Lighthouse Museum in Wells to check out our grandfather Joseph Upton's (lighthouse keeper at Fort Williams Portland Headlight.) memoralbilia. I asked where Joseph Upton was and the man told us that he was out back getting a face-lift.
Evidentally the train coming through was starting to jiggle the pictures on the wall and they were transferring everyone to poster paper so no damage would be done.
Betsy was always laughing, and dedicated her life to the Ladies Aide, Girl Scouts, geneology with cousin Carol, and of course always sending cards. When I was sick, home or in the hospital, I would get a card from Betsy. I could always count on those cards to give me a boost.
Bets, I will miss you loads.
Love and Hugs, Holly
May 26, 2013
Lisa D'Andrea
Aunt Nat~Rob~Steve & Lynne
There really are no words.... I can only share how much I remember all my summers on the Island. Betsey would come out every morning with the biggest smile. She was one of the sweetest people I've known.
Love & Prayers. Lisa Sampson~D'Andrea
May 24, 2013
Leanne Libby
Betsey you will be missed by so many people and so many organizations! Over the past few days I have remembered so many wonderful things, Girl Scout events, Sunday School, visits to the Post Office, times that you were the Calder kids babysitter, trick or treating at your house was always very special. the many cards you have sent us and my favorite memories of all - the years at the Ladies Aid Fair. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love you Bets!
May 23, 2013
Robert Parker II
Aunt, you were such a beautiful, sweet, kind, loving spirited lady. I will always treasure the many fun memories that we created as I grew up with you. By the way, Your Ginger Snaps were the "Bomb"! I am sad that you are gone, but I am comforted in knowing that although you are absent in the body, you are truly in the presence of the Lord. I love you.
May 22, 2013
Alice ( Newcomb) Cummings
I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to family and friends in the great loss of a truly sweet and loving person as Betsy always was. Always there for everyone. I will miss her. God Bless you all in the days ahead! Love
May 22, 2013
tom calder
i remember going into her house,her mom n dads also ,on halloween,they took picture for years and often showed ytou how you dressed the previous year
May 22, 2013
We have lost another member of our family and she will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Nat, Love you a lot.
Lois and Bob
May 22, 2013
Lindsey Barba (Hamilton)
I can remember visiting Aunt Betsey regularly as a child. My grandmother Elsie Hamilton was an avid card sender herself. I am sure Grammy Hamilton, Uncle Billy, Aunt Betsey, and the rest of the family gone before her are up in heaven looking down on all of us with a smile. RIP Aunt Betsey.
May 22, 2013
Natalie Parker
Love and miss you bunches!
'Huggles', N
May 21, 2013
Kerri Parker
What a beautiful, kind hearted woman. I see the pictures of Aunt Betsey with all her nieces and nephews, makes my heart smile. Bryce and I have had many talks the past few days about her and her life. We will all miss her.
Natalie, Rob, Steve & Lynne, please know that although we cannot be there, our prayers go out to all of you.
May 20, 2013
Elissa Sanderson
I have sat here and looked at Betsey's life in these lovely photo's. I've thought about what I could say to convey my feelings. I decided to just tell what I felt. Betsey was one in a million. She always had a smile and a story for me. She always had a hug, and she was a very good hugger! She cheered many of days for me by my receiving a card in the mail from her. There didn't need to be a special day for a card, she simply sent them out of the goodness of her big heart. Betsey, I can only hope to carry on that legacy of sending cards "just because". It brings much happiness. Betsey you will be missed by so many. For me, I love you, and I will never ever forget you. Much Love. Elissa Sanderson
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