Passed away on April 28, 2022 at the age of 94. Dorothy was a caring, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.
She was born April 27, 1928 to John VanDeVooren and Marie VanDeVooren, née McKinlay. Dorothy met the love of her life, John George Gross, at McKenzie elementary school in the third grade. They used to ride bikes together and do their homework in the VanDeVooren kitchen. Dorothy graduated high school in 1946. Following graduation Dorothy worked at Bell Telephone. She and John married in 1955 at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, following John’s return from military service. Together they had two children, Jim and Lenore, and Dorothy became a full-time homemaker.
Dorothy had unending love for her family and supported her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout their lives. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She loved to have a good time and made our family gatherings and holiday celebrations so special. Her grandchildren looked forward to the annual Christmas chili and tree trimming party she had for just them and her. She is especially remembered for the many decorated, themed birthday cakes she made for her grandchildren and the Halloween costumes she lovingly made for them.
Dorothy was also very passionate about her faith. She was a member of St. Lucas UCC for 67 years. At various times she led the youth choir, junior choir, hosanna choir, and senior choir and was a vital part of the music ministry at St. Lucas. She also led a Bible study group at St. Lucas at times.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, John, her two children, Jim (and Diann) Gross and Lenore (and Paul) Eason, as well as her three grandchildren Steven (and Vicki Montague) Gross of Denver, CO, Emily (and John Stelljes) Eason of Satellite Beach, FL, and T.J. (and Megan) Gross of St. Louis, and her three great-grandchildren Olive Montague Gross, Ella Stelljes and Andrew Stelljes. She also leaves behind her younger brother John VanDeVooren of Fremont, CA.
A memorial service will be held Monday, May 2, 2022, at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Rd. at 2:30 p.m. There will be a gathering in the church social hall following the service.