Mable Ross

Mable Marie Woodfork, daughter of Edward and Ordelia “Tina” (Schlinker) Woodfork, was born November 12, 1919 in Silverleaf , North Dakota . Mable grew up in Ellendale , North Dakota , where she attended grade school and later graduated from Ellendale High School . She continued her education at Ellendale State Normal and Industrial College for two years and Moorhead State University for another two years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Following her schooling, Mable taught school for four years in various rural schools in North Dakota . Mable continued to teach for two years in Longville , Minnesota ; two years in Benson , Minnesota and 14½ years at Riverside Elementary School in Moorhead , Minnesota .

In 1952, she was united in marriage to David Benjamin Ross in Moorhead , Minnesota . Mabel retired from teaching in 1981. Benjamin died on June 3, 1983.

Mable enjoyed bowling, reading, playing cards and bus trips. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mable died on Friday, January 9, 2009 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria , Minnesota . She lived to the age of 89 years.

She is survived by five children: Patricia (Larry) Pearson of Sauk Rapids, Gerald Ross of Stewartville, Donald (Sandra) Ross of Warne, NC, James (Susan) Ross of Dewey, AZ and Curtis Ross of Bloomington; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one brother: Jim (Betty) Woodfork of Byron. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Jay Scott Pearson; two great-grandchildren, Blake Pearson and Jordan Pearson and one sister, Myrtle Gustafson.