Kearney Missouri….Beatrice Kay Ross passed away on August 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Bea was born on January 18th, 1947, to Harold Kieth Runyan and Susie Pearl (Parmley) Runyan. She was the youngest of 5 children.
Bea grew up helping her parents on a small farm south of Maryville and attending school. She was involved in the pep squad, journalism, choir and was a class secretary. There she met her future husband, Mick Ross. Bea graduated high school in 1965 and began attending Northwest Missouri State University pursuing a degree in education. In 1966 she began dating Mick and they were married on May 27th, 1967. They had two children, Clint Michael and Mickie Sue. After living in Independence and Savannah, they returned to Maryville in 1970. Bea worked in the athletic department at NWMSU and they both took classes to finish their degrees. Bea completed her Bachelor of Science in education in 1976 and began her teaching career in Stanberry, followed by a year of teaching in Grant City. In 1978 they moved to Stewartsville where they raised their family. Mrs. Ross taught English and Literature for grades 7-12.
Bea was a class sponsor, coached the Academic Team and was the advisor for many award-winning year books. In 1991 Mick and Bea moved to Oak Grove where she finished her master’s degree, taught 8th grade English, college Prep English, journalism and coached the Academic Team until retiring in 2005. Bea loved teaching; she was passionate about her students and helping them succeed. She believed so much in education and the importance of vocabulary and the written word. She impacted the lives of thousands of students.
After retirement she spent her time attending activities of grandchildren, reading, traveling, camping and boating with Mick and their beloved dog Tilly.
Bea was preceded in death by her parents and siblings James Runyan, Etta Fesenmyer (Dale), Patricia Conrad (Walter) and Harold Runyan. She is survived by Mick Ross, Clint Ross (Kim), grandson Maxwell George, Mickie Altvater (Steve), granddaughters Michaela Brooke Lupo (Jared), Mackenzie Kay Altvater (Andrew) and grandson Thomas Ross Altvater (Alyssa) and great granddaughters Sammie Josephine and Elliott Kay.
A celebration of life will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home in Stewartsville on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at 2 pm.
