Arlene Ross

Arlene (Nickel) Ross, 85, of Newton, Kansas passed away peacefully with her husband, Ned Ross, by her side on the evening of February 15, 2017.

Arlene was born to Gerhard (George) and Elizabeth Nickel on July 4, 1931 in Goessel Kansas, the 5th of 6 children. Arlene grew up with the family on a farm southeast of Lehigh Kansas. She graduated from Lehigh High School in 1948.

Arlene married Ned B. Ross on February 28, 1953. Ned is from Iowa and was in the Airforce stationed in Salina, KS when they met one evening at the roller skating rink in Newton. Arlene moved to Salina after they wed, where they they had their first-born child, Jon. One month later they moved to Newton, where they made their home, raising their three children, Jon, Brad and Kim. Ned and Arlene would have been married for 64 years this February 28. Along with raising their children, Arlene worked many years as a bookkeeper for various car dealerships in Newton and surrounding area and was a long-time employee of Newell Travel Center in Newton, KS.

Arlene had many talents. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and playing the church organ in her early years. Her hobbies included crafts, crocheting, sewing, gardening, bowling with Ned on a mixed league and also on a woman’s league.

Arlene was very involved in the PTA when her children were growing up along with teaching Summer Vacation Bible School.

Arlene loved children and nothing made her happier than having her family around her. Arlene and Ned were blessed with 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up and in recent years, thoroughly enjoyed watching their great-grandchildren playing when they came to visit their great grandma and grandpa at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

Arlene moved to Newton Presbyterian Manor in 2011, joined by Ned in 2013, where she resided at the time of her death. She loved all of the staff who took such great care of her there.

Arlene loved her family and her dogs. Arlene and Ned were very supportive of rescue animals and always owned a dog which they treated as part of their family. Their last dog, Sophie moved with them to Presbyterian Manor along with Ned in 2013 and was a resident of the manor for 2 years until Sophie she died.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Nickel; brothers Edie (Vera) Nickel of Kansas City, KS, Dr. Bernie (Dorothy) Nickel of Winfield, KS., and Walt Nickel of Anaheim, CA and sister Martha (Otto) Hiebert of Newton KS.

Arlene is survived by her devoted and loving husband Ned in Newton, brother Dr. Gary and sister in law Judy Nickel of Independence Kansas, sons Jon (Kathy) Ross of Newton, Brad (Ladonna) Ross of Winfield, and daughter, Kim (Terry) Stubby of Helena Montana; 5 grandchildren, Mark (Hannah) Ross of Olathe, Evie (Chris) Tompkins of Merritt Island, Florida, Brandi Stubby of Helena, Montana, Christopher Ross of Park City, and Brianna Ross of Emporia. Four great grandchildren, Morrigan Ross of Olathe, Emmeline Pederson of Helena, Montana, Grace and Caleb Ross Tompkins of Merritt Island, Florida in addition to many wonderful and loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Arlene’s family extends their gratitude to Arlene’s extended family at the Newton Presbyterian Manor, where Arlene and Ned, have made many great friends and have been treated exceptionally well, with great care and love, by the Manor’s staff.

A memorial service celebrating Arlene’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday (February 22, 2017) at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton. A reception for all family and friends will immediately follow the service at the Breadbasket Restaurant in Newton.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials in Arlene’s name may be made to The Caring Hands Humane Society of Newton or The American Heart Association. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.