Remembering Nana on her 100th Birthday

Today would have been my Nana's 100th birthday!

Ruth Elaine Brown was born June 17, 1921, in Fayette City, PA, the second daughter of Isaac and Mary Balsis Brown. I remember her as a devoted and caring grandmother, who would do anything for her family.

She also had a strong and lovely singing voice. She sang when she washed the dishes and she sang when she folded laundry. She also sang beautiful old-time hymns in the church choir.

When she was a young woman she attended the Clarksville Christian Church, where she met and fell head over heels in love with a handsome young man named Forest Vance Ross. They eloped and made their home in Clarksville, PA, where they raised three children: Kenneth Isaac, Forrest Wayne, and Janet Lea Ross.

She was the matriarch of our family and her home was the gathering place for picnics, Christmas Eve dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, and plain old Sundays. Things just haven't been the same since she passed away on December 8, 2014, at the age of 93. As she was preparing to die, she had peace in her heart and she was eager to take her rightful place in heaven. After all, she had been preparing for this day her whole life.

Nana left behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and kindness. And, as long as her children, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren are alive, she will be deeply loved.

By Randi Ross Marodi ~ randileeross@gmail.com

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