This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Ross, O'Connor Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4558/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Mary Elizabeth Ross, 71, passed away July 11, 2010 at La Posada - Mesilla Valley Hospice. She was born December 25, 1938 in Parsons, Kansas to Stella A. and Matt E. O'Connor. Mary graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Parsons, and then completed an Associates Degree in Bookkeeping at Parsons Junior College. She met James Ross at Lake Texhoma and married three years later on December 28, 1963 in Parsons Kansas. Mary moved to Las Cruces in 1977 from Oklahoma with James. She was a loving mother and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and softball coach when her four girls were young. She played tennis with her family and watched all four of her daughters play High School tennis at Mayfield and College tennis at NMSU. She was involved with the Las Cruces Tennis Club, and was President of the Club during the early 1980's. She was also a member of the Picacho Hills Country Club tennis association, and a Charter member of the NMSU University Tennis Center. Later she learned golf and became a member of the Las Cruces Country Club, and then a member of the NMSU Golf Club. She was President of the Women's Border Golf Association during the late 1980's. She also liked playing Canasta and Bridge with the Ladies at the Las Cruces Country Club after golf. Mary is survived by her husband James (Jim) of 47 years, and sisters: Rose Ann McGannon, Stella Mae Sedlar (husband Don), and Arlyne Stover. She is also survived by her four daughters: Judy Harlas (husband Randy), Becky Lee (husband Jud), Cathy Kwiatkowski (husband Matt), and Chrissy Kehl (husband Tom). She is survived by ten grandchildren: Jeremy and Lindsay Harlas, Olyvia and Chloe Lee, Ryan, Evan and Alyssa Kwiatkowski, and Jason, Nathan, and Kimberly Kehl. She is preceded in death by her mother Stella A. and father Matt E. O'Connor. She is also preceded in death by her brother, who died as an infant. A memorial mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 Miranda St. Las Cruces, New Mexico on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 12:10 p.m. At her request, cremation will take place, and inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Las Cruces Tennis Players Association (LCTPA), Middle School Team Tennis Program/Mary Ross Scholarship Fund. Mail the Donations to: LCTPA, PO Box 262, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on July 14, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.