Rita E. Ross - 79

Flossmoor, IL

Rita E. Ross nee Rosati, age 79, of Flossmoor, passed away on February 15, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Rita was born on July 4, 1941 to Pasqualina and Silvio Rosati in Chicago Heights.  Her parents told her the 4th of July fireworks were a celebration of her each and every year.  Rita grew up on “the hill”, was a parishioner of San Rocco Church, and attended Mount Carmel School.  She went on to graduate from Bloom High School in 1959.

Rita met the love of her life, Lou, when they were very young.  They fell in love in high school, and eventually married in 1962.  They were married for 58 years and had three children—Andy, Gina, and Lisa.  Rita was a dedicated mother to her children, and instilled in them the value that was greatest to her—love of family.  Rita was a devoted grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren: Erin, Sarah, Alec, Marisa, Nathan, Gwen, Jack, and Olivia.

Rita’s strength was inspiring, and her warmth and acceptance made her a valued friend to many.  Rita touched the lives of those who loved her, and we will all treasure our own special memories of her over the years — as a loving aunt or cousin, as a trusted friend or a neighbor, raising her family in South Chicago Heights, volunteering as “Picture Lady” in her children’s school, working as a secretary at Sauk School, enjoying travel with family and friends, volunteering her time and talents with those around her, and enjoying her passions of sewing and cooking.  We will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.

Rita is survived by her loving husband, Louis; her children Gina (Pat) Horne and Lisa (Tom) Sexton.  She is preceded in death by her son Andrew Ross, her sister Loraine (Salvy) Bonadona, and her parents.

Funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Infant Jesus of Prague, 1131 Douglas Avenue in Flossmoor, where Rita was a longtime parishioner.  Interment is private.  Information can be found at Panozzo Bros. 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Morton Arboretum, one of Rita’s favorite places to visit.

Due to the Pandemic attendance restrictions at Church, To View the Live Stream Funeral Mass for Rita please go to our Facebook page - Phillip Panozzo (Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home) on Monday February 22nd at 11:00 AM.