Sharon Sue Ross

Our beautiful, talented mother, Sharon Sue Ross, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband and our father, Franklin D. Ross, her cherished grandson Jonathan Phillips, and by her parents, Vern and Maxine Burnes.

She is survived by her brother Jerry Burnes, her children: Kelly and Martin Hagans, Kerry and Bruce Greer, Dow Ross, Kristy and Jon McGill, and Karin Ross; Bonus daughters Anna Smith, and Michelle Casey, along with her cherished grandchildren Justin Greer and Michelle Record, Tom and Milissa Rider, Luis and Carrie Alves, Alisha and Mike Cerda, Jesse and Charlene Rider, Valerie and Mike Camp, Frankie and Cassi Alves, Sharon Ross and Andrew Beatty, Christopher and Morgan Ross, Ellie Woods and David Denney,  Case Allen, Drew Reynoso, Karsyn Reynoso and Luke Jamison, and great-grandchildren, Noah Camp, Ethan Carson, Kolby Carson, and Lillian Rider, Wesley Rider, Hud, Red and Bobby Greer, Andrew Paz, Saydee and Jett Cerda, Evann Phillips, Kate Ross, Nicolas and Jayson Alves, Lucas, Kenny, and Lizzie Alves, and many beloved cousins, and many nieces, and nephews. We can’t forget all of her great grandpups, Georgie and Jasper, Pannie and Taylor, Widow and Bug.

Sharon Sue, as she was first called, was born in Exeter, CA to Vern and Maxine Burnes on December 9, 1939. She and her parents later welcomed her little brother Jerry Lynn into the family. Together, they were the best dressed, spic and span brother sister duo Exeter had ever seen.  They had many adventures on their bikes exploring the grape vineyards and surrounding countryside. The two danced their way into the hearts of many.

Sharon Sue always excelled in academics, attending Exeter schools, (lifetime CSF) and was Exeter High Schools first Golden Girl leading the Exeter Monarchs Marching band in many parades and events.  

One evening, Sharon Sue and her best friend Carol January decided to leave their quaint little town of Exeter and head over to Lindsay for dinner at Coleman’s Drive-In. Carol drove Sharon Sue’s father’s car and pulled into the parking lot, parking next to a 1955 baby-blue Chevy. Standing beside that baby-blue Chevy was a man named Franklin, with baby-blue eyes to match.

He stepped over and introduced himself, “Hello, my name is Ross,” to which she replied, “Hello, my name is Sue.” She had always wanted to be known as Sue, and in that moment, she finally had her chance and she grabbed it. That simple introduction marked the beginning of the life they would build together.

After a whirlwind of dates, Frank and Sue were married on June 15, 1957. The very next day, they began building their family. Frank and Sue didn’t have two dimes to rub together, and they worked tirelessly. Through hard work, determination, and taking life step by step, they built a rich life filled with love, deep relationships, and business and financial stability, all from two local kids who started with nothing but the love they shared.

Our mother was truly a force to be reckoned with. She pushed herself with every ounce of her being in all she did. Tireless and determined, if something needed to be done, Mom was already doing it surprising us daily.

She attended every baseball, softball, and basketball game…often with her big umbrella in tow… faithfully following her grandkids, and she never missed a dance recital. She was also the official driver for countless appointments; school drop off and pickups. Mom was on the Sequoia Union Elementary PTC from 1966 to 1985, the longest serving member EVER! You know, she had 5 children to get through school!

For her Grandkids, Mom created the after-school homework club and proudly held the title of official snack lady for after-school hunger pangs. She was the elementary math whiz, punctuation queen, and historian.  Mom passed EVERY grade with flying colors.. year,,, after year… after year!  You know, she has 14 grandchildren!

Saturday nights were for grandchildren sleepovers at Momas’ and Popas’, followed by a BIG Sunday morning breakfast. Then it was off to Sunday School and church to learn about Jesus.

In Momas’ eyes, everyone deserved respect. Over the years, more than a few handwritten apology notes were written by grandchildren under her guidance, and hand-delivered to the offended party (you know who you are bus drivers, teachers, siblings, cousins). Mom was known for having siblings or cousins sitting hand in hand on the front step after a disagreement! They would SIT THERE until they could like each other again! IT WORKED! In just a few minutes, the kids would be rolling around laughing with each other!

The birthday parties were endless; countless swim parties, Easter egg hunts, and family reunions filled her calendar and her home.

Each year, daughters, granddaughters and a great granddaughter shared a Mother’s Day lunch with Momas, complete with small gifts and heartfelt cards. She was determined that her grand-girls would grow into strong, educated, independent, caring young ladies and live amazing, purposeful lives.

Sunday lunches were HUGE. No matter how many people were invited or showed up, there was always more than enough food. The kitchen was truly open 24/7. And once Covid hit, our mother still cooked the Sunday lunch before service and had them delivered before church to the regular attenders, including the nurses at Kaweah Delta 2East where her daughter Karin worked. The meals were always delivered with a handwritten note, and a scripture.

Mom’s home was the place everyone went when they were sick or injured, a place of comfort, care, and healing right from the living room couch!

Mom delighted in serving the local youth at Lemon Cove Community Church for many years…from preschoolers learning about Jesus, to the junior high youth group Club Jelly (Jesus Living Loving You). She loved watching children learn and grow in their faith.

Mom was a party-planning extraordinaire who could organize a complete wedding in under fifteen minutes which she did time after time, after time. Mom was also an author, songwriter, pianist, and the most creative person we’ve ever known.

She also loved supporting the Lemon Cove Food Link at Lemon Cove Community Church in any way she could.

In her later years, Mom joined in on rooting for the Dodgers! She loved it when they wore their clean, white uniforms. And any time they would appear on TV in their gray uniforms, she would exclaim, “Why are they wearing that? They are going to lose!”

She loved watching USC games too, and was finally  presented at Christmas with her official pair of USC soft fuzzy socks!

Beginning in 1971, Mom and Dad, believing their lives had been so blessed, felt it was time to start giving back. What began small at Christmas time by providing Christmas gifts for a local struggling family of 13 grew into providing Christmas for more families and eventually grew into a caravan of trucks, cars, and a 26-foot U-Haul truck loaded with Christmas presents that were hand delivered all over the countryside to the local communities. Over 300 children each year received a stocking stuffed with snacks, a package of socks, a warm blanket, a stuffed animal and an armful of toys.  We were her ‘elves’ for many years but the past few years found Mom tagging along behind taking a peek at all the children’s happy smiles, so blessed that someone cared about them. The families always expected us on the Saturday before Christmas.

This was not just Christmas, Mom did things year after year, totally unexpected… groceries, a car, a washer and dryer…. Wherever she saw a need.. anonymously! Mom was the silent backer of many organizations, and struggling families, never wanting recognition, never wanting her picture in the paper.

Well Mom, too bad! We are tooting your horn now! We promise to continue your legacy of blessing.

After Dad passed away, Mom and the family began the Franklin D. Ross Memorial Scholarship Foundation. She found great joy in providing funds each year to local students who simply needed a helping hand.

We are so thankful for all the years we have enjoyed with our Mom, for all the lessons that Mom taught us and grateful she is now with our father. 

Her life was a life well lived.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to reach out, offer their support and condolences.

Celebration of Sharon's Life will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at China's Alley in Lindsay at 11:30 A.M. in the side room of the restaurant. In lieu of flowers the family asks to please consider donating to the Frank D. Ross Memorial Scholarship Foundation, 30045 Rd. 196, Exeter, Ca. 93221. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon Sue Ross, please visit our floral store.