Frances Ross

Frances Maud Ross 

“Grandma Toto” 

July 23, 1931- March 25, 2025 

Frances Maud Ross, 93, lifetime resident of Everett, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2025 at Brookdale Memory Care Center/Silver Lake, surrounded by her loving family. Frances was born on July 23, 1931 in Everett, WA to Alex and Ruth (Getchell) Alexander. She was the granddaughter of Everett and Maud Getchell and great- granddaughter of Martin and Olive Getchell, founding pioneers of Lowell. Frances grew up in the Lowell neighborhood until 1939 when the Alexander family moved across the Snohomish River where they built their family farm. She spoke often of the depression era, remembering most the sugar rationing … Frances graduated from Everett High School and earned her RN diploma from nursing school. She worked in the Mt. Vernon area until she married her life companion Ralph H. Ross in 1953. Settling in Everett and later Mukilteo, Frances was a busy stay-at-home mother. Although no longer nursing, she was able to use her skills raising 5 children. When Ralph retired, they bought a winter home in Mesa, AZ. Ralph loved to drive, and with Frances as his copilot, they explored the US, even venturing into Canada and occasionally traveling internationally. Frances enjoyed many hobbies including painting, gardening, quilting, doll making and shuffleboard. Frances is survived by four loving daughters: Sue (Allen) Vernon, Karen (Gary) Englund, Michele O’Brien and Francine (Jim) Pollock. She also leaves 14 wonderful grandchildren: Cody Vernon (Paige), Casey (Kyle) Rucker, Alex (Mandy) Englund, Adam (Ashley) Englund, Josh Englund (Bobbie), Sarah (Josh) Helm, EmmaLee (Robert) Barandon, JohnRoss (Kendahl) O’Brien, Benji O’Brien (Samantha), Travis (Michelle) Pollock, Renee’ Jones (Skyler), Andrews Ross (Tammy), LaRae (Ryan) Brown, and Jacob Ross. Bringing a smile to her face were her 30 great grandchildren with number 31 expected soon. She was preceded in death by her parents Alex and Ruth Alexander, brothers Everett and Alex (Hap) Alexander, husband Ralph H. Ross, son Ralph A. (Andy) Ross, son-in-law Mark O’Brien and grandson Anthony Pollock. Funeral services will be held at Solies Funeral Home in Everett on April 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. with a private graveside service following. We would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Brookdale Memory Care Center/Silver Lake for their compassionate care this last year and also Continuum Hospice for their care and guidance. Please make any donations in her honor to: Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011