Dayton, OH — Helen Edith Ross, mother of Galerie Candy & Gifts owner Rick Ross, passed away on March 13 at the age of 87.
Ross ran the Gifts & Games gift shop in North Dayton while managing her husband’s dental practice, working alongside her son, who subsequently launched a candy business that he grew into the global candy design and packaging company, Galerie. After retiring from dentistry, Ross and her husband both joined Galerie, where she loved working in the company’s retail center, recalling her time at Gifts & Games with her son.
Ross was known for her razor-sharp sense of humor, and always had a joke to share. She was born in Wheeling, WV, graduated from Triadelphia High School and attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology. She transferred to The Ohio State University, receiving her B.A. in Home Economics in 1956. She was on the faculty of O.S.U. Extension Service for three years, where she wrote a regular Home Economics bulletin, and hosted a daily WOSU radio show as well as the occasional TV program.
A mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ross was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Allen R. Ross. She is survived by three sons: David (Debbie), Rick and Marc (Donna); four grandchildren, Rachel (Harry) Wolff, Cameron (Scott) Fussey, Gabriel, and Carter; three great grandsons, Miles and Evan Wolff, and August Fussey.
She and her husband loved theater and traveling. She was known for having the perfect hat for every occasion.
A member of Temple Israel in Dayton since 1961, Ross served with various Women’s organizations.
Burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery (1809 W Schantz Ave, Dayton, OH 45409) on Sunday, March 19th at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m. at Temple Israel (130 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405).
Shiva will be held in Kettering on Sunday, March 19th from 6-9 p.m. at One Lincoln Park (590 Isaac Prugh Way, Kettering, OH 45429). Shiva will continue in Cincinnati on Monday, March 20th from 5-8 p.m. at the temporary residence of Rick Ross (The Edgecliff, 2200 Victory Parkway #2606, Cincinnati, OH 45206). The family invites all who attend any of the gatherings to wear a festive hat in her honor and bring a joke.
Contributions may be made to Temple Israel, Hospice of Dayton, or a charity of your choice.
