Betty D. Ross

On the beautiful, sunny afternoon of the ninth of February, 2026, Betty Dillman Ross (Betsy) passed away peacefully from complications with Lymphoma and Lung Cancer. Her daughter, Allison, and granddog, Josie, were with her as she took her final breath. She lived a vibrant life defined by her unwavering faith, her mastery of many crafts, and a profound devotion to her family.

Betsy was born on March 21, 1937 in Marion, Virginia. She was the second of five children born to Samuel and Emma Tedder Dillman, growing up on a farm filled with love, family, and friends. She met the love of her life, Charlie Ross, in a rainstorm at Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia and married him in September 1957 shortly after Charlie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Betsy's professional journey was a testament to her intelligence and adaptability. While supporting Charlie's Army service across seven states, she managed medical offices and administrative teams. After dedicating years to raising her daughters, she returned to the workforce in the administration of Smokerise Elementary School, eventually rising through the ranks to oversee the budget for the DeKalb County School System-a role that utilized her trademark precision, organization skills, dedication, and work ethic.

Betsy was a woman of excellence who never approached a task halfway. Whether she was tailoring a garment with the skill of a master seamstress, perfecting a recipe, or tracking down an elusive ancestor through genealogical research, she did so with passion and grit. On the tennis court, she was a formidable competitor; in her garden, she was a creator of beauty.

Despite her many interests, Betsy's favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends, regardless of the occasion. She spent hours at sports fields watching her grandsons play baseball, lacrosse, football, and other sports. She spent time with friends enjoying a meal, gardening together, volunteering, or studying God's word. She would cook delicious meals made with love for family or friend gatherings or church events.

A devoted member of Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church for over 40 years, Betsy's faith was an action verb. She didn't just attend church; she helped build it-beautifying the grounds, teaching Bible study, and feeding the community through 'Super Supper.' She lived out the command to 'Love one another' with a quiet, consistent generosity that reached far beyond her immediate circle. She loved her husband, her daughters, her friends, her church, and especially loved and doted on her grandchildren. Mostly, though, she loved Jesus.

Betsy is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lindsay Ross, her daughter, Angela Karen Ross, her brother, Quentin Dillman, and her sister, Joyce Krafft. She is survived by her daughter, Allison Ross Mitchamore and husband Steve; two grandsons, Ross and Riley Mitchamore; her sister, Charlotte Garceau, her brother, Joe Dillman and his wife Donna, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Details for Betsy's memorial service are forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&lang=en