Margaret Ross

Margaret "Ann" Middlebrooks-Ross, beloved wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, went peacefully to be with her Lord & Savior and join her loved ones in her heavenly home on November 22, 2019, while surrounded by family and friends in her earthly home. Ann was born on October 10, 1945, to Bertha & Willie Middlebrooks, in Tupelo, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Jim (Donna) Warren, Junior Middlebrooks, Billy Middlebrooks, and Judy Phelps. She is survived by the love of her life and husband for nearly 58 years, Gerald Ross, daughters Rita (Jon) Fitzsimmons and Rhonda (Terry) Dekilder, grandsons Joshua Fitzsimmons and Logan Dekilder, and her sibling Deb (Mike) Douglas, and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ann was one of the most selfless, strongest, loving, thoughtful, and fun person you could ever have had the pleasure of knowing. Anyone who met her was drawn to her and loved her, and adopted her as family. She loved to laugh and make others happy. And to show them her love for them, mostly by giving them attention, and showing affection with hugs, kisses, and saying "I love you". Also, let's not forget, by cooking favorite meals for her loved ones; fried chicken, burgers, oatmeal scotchies, chocolate-chip cookies, and her famous banana pudding. She loved her family and friends deeply and fiercely. She was by your side and had your back at any and all times, without question or hesitation. She was more than a wife, mom, daughter, grandma or sister to us. She was our protector,counselor, mentor, and our very best friend. Those who knew her, knew her as honest, loyal, trustworthy, and someone who always had your best interest at heart. Everyone also knew she had a spunky and feisty side when needed. She had no problem standing up for herself or the ones she loved when a situation required it. She was a blessing to everyone's life she touched. She brought so much love, laughter, joy and peace into our lives. She will forever be loved and missed by so many. But, we will end this with her typical mom/Annie statement she always said, and we know she'd want said now: "My life was Blessed by God with the best family and friends anyone could ever have". A celebration of Ann's life will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 5-8pm at American Legion Post 465, 6101 S. 44th St., Climax, MI 49034. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to the American Cancer Society, Kairos Dwelling Home on Gull Rd, or a charity of your choice. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Ln., Portage, MI 49002. (269)344-5600. Please visit Margaret’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com to leave a memory for the family.