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Patty Crossey-Ross Obituary

After a seven-year battle with two incurable cancers (multiple myeloma and a brain tumor), Patty Crossey-Ross passed away in hospice care at home, in the embrace of her family, January 5, 2012. Patty was best known as a teacher, enjoying a long, successful career in Colorado Springs District 11. Beginning at Stratton Elementary, she went on to teach at Patrick Henry, Martinez, Sabin, and Jenkins. She was a volleyball coach, a Science Olympiad coach, gymnastics coach, and a High Trails leader, among her many volunteer activities. She was especially well-known for her ability to 'make learning fun' in the classroom, to motivate 'troubled' kids, and for her positive inclusion of children with disabilities, finding creative ways for them to joyfully participate in activities no one thought possible. She always took on new challenges, including specializing in science and then art in her last few years, before an extended hospitalization and her first bone marrow transplant forced her retirement from Jenkins in 2005 at the age of 49. (She had two more bone marrow transplants in 2010-11, both at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, before entering the Pikes Peak Hospice home-care program in November, 2011.) Patty was born in 1956 in Madrid, Spain, the fifth of seven children of Anna Mae and Air Force Lt. Colonel James L. Crossey. Crossey's distinguished career assignments brought Patty and the family to Colorado Springs twice: in 1958 at the Air Force Academy and again in 1965 at Colorado College. Patty attended Divine Redeemer Elementary and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1974. She was awarded her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Colorado College in 1977, where she met future husband Rob Ross, also a CC student, in 1975. The two became inseparable from their first day in a class together and were married in Shove Chapel soon after they graduated. Patty went on to earn her Masters Degree in teaching at Colorado College in 1987. Although Patty never had children of her own, she was a favorite aunt and mentor to many 'adopted' children whom she drew into her own large family whenever possible. She was unconditionally devoted to nourishing children with love and good humor, always her best tonic. An avid skier, Patty made frequent use of her annual season pass at Monarch Mountain and enjoyed conquering the 'steep and deep' terrain, even a couple of times during the 2011 season. She earned the love and admiration of several staff members at Monarch, who knew of her challenge just to be there. Patty was also an avid volleyball player, joining her husband Rob and brother Dan in recreational leagues through the years, enjoying the many relationships with other players as much as her love of the sport itself. Living on her small ranch in Larkspur for the last 17 years allowed Patty to express many passions, including creating beautiful gardens and keeping horses. She kept and raised numerous quarter horses and was an accomplished rider and trainer. Horses became another way for her to connect with even more children, especially nieces and nephews and the children of adult friends through the years, passing on her love of horses and other life lessons to so many. Patty's immediate survivors are Rob Ross (spouse), brothers Jim (Nancy), Dan (Judy), and Michael (Marta), and sisters Maureen Crossey, Ann Crossey, and Kathleen Koehler (Dean) and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children. Patty is also survived by her faithful service dog, Jesse James. After her health forced her retirement from teaching, she began a new part-time career as an inspirational Pikes Peak Hospice volunteer with Jesse, comforting patients of all ages. (An article and video were published in the Gazette in 2009: gazette.com/articles/ross-48550-crossey-dog.html, http://www.gazette.com/video/c/1155254480/news/10721721001/ ) A visitation will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel, starting at 5 pm on Monday, January 9th, followed by a rosary at 7 pm. A memorial service will be held at Shove Chapel at Colorado College at 10 am on Tuesday, January 10th. A reception follows at the Slocum Hall Commons from 11 am-1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Pikes Peak Hospice (www.pikespeakhospice.org), whose staff provided exceptional care and comfort for Patty and her family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Patty Crossey-Ross

Not sure what to say?





Sam Bean

December 28, 2023

She was my favorite teacher, at Stratton.

Stacey Keller-Glaser

May 4, 2021

Rob, I came across this page today as I searched for Mrs. Ross' contact information: it's Teacher's Appreciation Week. Mrs. Ross (Patty) was my 6th grade teacher. Mrs. Ross was such an important voice in my life. She showed me more than history and math: she demonstrated what it meant to be strong, empowering and gracious. She gave me confidence and skills I hope to pass along to my daughters - my youngest is in 6th. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know it's been some time now, but I had to let you know that she was such an important person to me and my life.

Diane OBrien

March 15, 2012

Dear Maureen and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Patty. Darren got me out to Colorado and I had the chance to meet her. I instantly knew that she had a very kind, caring and loving soul.
God Bless
Diane Sferrazza-O'Brien

Aloha Jesse!

Rob Ross

March 1, 2012

Friends and Family, Thanks for all the love and support during this difficult time. There has been an outpouring of support for the memorial gift fund at Pikes Peak Hospice, who will honor Patty's legacy on April 18th at 4:30pm, along with other honorees who have recently passed. All are invited! It's also not too late to add your gift to the fund, which I plan to match in April via the Crossey-Ross Family Foundation. No amount is too small-- the gifts are anonymous in value, so please only give what you can easily afford. There have been over 45 gifts so far! The gifts have been so generous that a permanent plaque will be installed at Pikes Peak Hospice in Patty's name.

Hope to see you in April. Meantime, Jesse and I are doing fine and moving on the best we can. It's one day at a time... Love you!

Kindra Dale-Griffin

January 29, 2012

Dealing with the passing of my friend, Patty, has hit me so hard, even as I think of our last coversation about her next journey into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I took so much comfort from that conversation and now I have been heart broken with the loss of her. My delayed response to this guest book is in coming up with the courage to face this. Patty 's courage is something I need to aspire too. My son, Cody, and I began a children's book inspired by my love of Patty, a year ago. As her illness progressed working on it became difficult. Now I know, we need to finish it as hopefully it will help give me healing. On that note...I really need to tell Rob and all of her family how much my heart goes out to you because I cant imagine the loss you must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love Patty so so much. God bless you, Kindra Dale-Griffin

darren carey

January 19, 2012

i am going to miss you so much....

Neighbors

January 16, 2012

To Patty's Family and Friends,
God is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots.
Psalm 147:3

Jeanne & Ralph Balding

January 14, 2012

Rob - You & Patty were some of the very first folks we met when we moved to CS, & will forever remain in our hearts as the "Gold of the Pikes Peak region". Her sunny smile, blazing red hair, infectious laugh,& all-consuming love for you and Jesse will forever warm my soul. You were blessed to have her in your life, as were we. Love you, Jeanne & Ralph

Dan and Boni Dillinger

January 13, 2012

Rob, so sorry to hear about Patti. she was such a wonderful person, love you

Stephen Thorner

January 13, 2012

During the short time that I knew Patty, I found her to be a very loving and caring woman. I truly enjoyed our conversations. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Celebrating Patty's life in "Patty's Meadow"

January 10, 2012

Patty's beautiful flag atop her meadow!=)

Melanie Reis

January 10, 2012

Anne Petzold

January 10, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Rob, all of Patty's family and Jesse. She always had a smile on her face, even when there were tears in her eyes. It is an honor to have known her. Rest in peace Patty, finally free from pain.

Karen Crosson

January 10, 2012

Rob and family,
I was so sad to hear about Patti's passing. I cherish my Sabin memories and Patti is such a big part of that. It was so fun to be in the same department as Patti. I could never have done Science Olympiad without her. She was game for anything and was so supportive of her students, parents, and her colleagues. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and I'm so sorry I couldn't attend the service.

Cindy McMullen

January 10, 2012

Dear Rob,

Patty... what a beautiful person to have loved and cherished for all your adult life. I hope that your memories of Patty will sustain you through your grief during this difficult time . You were so steadfast in your love and devotion to Patty throughout her illness, may we all be as blessed. Patty's fight for life was so remarkable. She was engaged and concerned with all those around her to the very end. She was a wonderful person. May we all catch up with her in heaven as I know she is already there. Peace be with you, Jesse James, her brothers and sisters and all those who loved her. re: "There is a little Ross in every Crossey."

Lori Creekmore

January 9, 2012

Although we no longer live in Colorado Springs, our daughter Chelsea Creekmore was introduced to her love of literature and English with Patti in 6th grade at Jenkins Middlel School and has utilized the impact of her incredible teaching style in making learning fun and memorable as well as our son Kevin Creekmore having had Patti for Science at Jenkins Middle School. He too, remembers the fun in learning and loved her enthusiasm for reaching challenging students! Rob, our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all remember and celebrate her incredible impact on so many of Colorado Springs youth!

Maria Lew

January 9, 2012

Patty
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken love;
We'd have countless things to say.
If we could bring you back again,
We'd say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.
If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You'd know how much we miss you now,
And if we could, we would.
We will always love you!!!
Our deepest condolences to the whole family!
Maria, Rafal & Dominik

Monique Foster-Loggins

January 9, 2012

My deepest condolences to the whole family. Patty was a light and such a wonderful teacher. Much was happening with my family while I was in her 6th grade class and she always had a smile and words of encouragement for me. I will have fond memories of her forever!

Shirley Abbott

January 9, 2012

Patty's story in the Gazette back in 2009 was my inspiration to get three of my dogs certified as Therapy Dogs and become a volunteer for Pikes Peak Hospice. It was my privilege over the last few years to meet her and sweet Jesse several times. She loved knowing the role that she and Jesse played in the success of my Wolfhounds as Therapy dogs. I too will miss her but am grateful that her struggle is over at last. She will live in my memory forever as the role model of strength and grace under the most extreme test. Blessings to her family and hugs to Jesse.

Tim Sandon

January 9, 2012

Rob, I hope there is some measure of relief for you, knowing that the battle is over. Patty left an indelible mark on the hearts and soles of those privileged to know her. She will be dearly missed.

Cortney Roberts

January 9, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Patty's family. Her beautiful smile will always be in my heart. Now you can rest, Patty.....

Emily Fish West

January 9, 2012

Mrs. Ross was a teacher i will never forget. I was in her 6th grade class at Martinez Elementary. She was the 1st teacher that took enough interest in me to see that i needed extra attention and made feel that i was special. I will never forget her!!

January 9, 2012

Rob, we are so sorry to hear about your precious wife. Patty was a joy to be around. You will be in our prayers at this sad time. Don and Nancy Castling Fort Smith, AR

Powder day at Monarch with Rob

January 9, 2012

Lots of skiing

January 9, 2012

Young kids

January 9, 2012

Patty and Dolly

January 9, 2012

Living Life

January 9, 2012

Cuddling with Blackhawk

January 9, 2012

Skiing with Dan

January 9, 2012

Skiing with Rob

January 9, 2012

Patty and Dolly

January 9, 2012

Maureen and Patty

January 9, 2012

Carolyn and Patty

January 9, 2012

January 9, 2012

Not only was she one of my closest friends at St. Mary's, she was a wonderful influence in my oldest daughter's life as her 6th grade teacher. We'll miss her beauty (inside and out). May God give her family and friends the peace and comfort to get through this very difficult time.
Alice Zenon-Loggins

Kyle (Watts) Pitts

January 9, 2012

Patty was more than an influence to those children she taught - she was an inspiration. She made me feel special and loved and taught me to be myself and to be happy with who I am. She also brought joy to a 6th grade horse lover by sharing her horse friends with me. She'll leave a little empty space in all our hearts.

January 9, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about Patty's passing. She has left a wonderful trail of memories for us all to cherish. Karen Crews, Colorado Springs, CO

January 9, 2012

Rob, so sorry for your loss. Your soul mate shall remain with you always.

JJ Klikus

sherrie Nordstrom (Van Alstyne)

January 9, 2012

Sorry to hear of patty's passing. may she rest in peace now. my pray to all her family and many friends.

Rafael Garzarelli

January 9, 2012

Rob I am very sorry to hear of Patty's passing. Sorry my friend. I'm somewhere in Cambodia.
Again I am very sadness.
Rafael

Crossey girls

January 8, 2012

Patty and Chili

January 8, 2012

Patty and Rob

January 8, 2012

Young Patty

January 8, 2012

Rhonda Wilkinson

January 8, 2012

Patty was one of the most inspiring people I've ever known. She was a teacher who taught me to never settle for less than my best, taught many students to be kind to others with disabilities, and is a big part of why I became a teacher myself. She will be terribly missed by all who knew her, for however long they had the pleasure.

Jane, Bill and Valerie Willhoit

January 8, 2012

Patty was a gift to all of us. She always had a smile to share and was fun to be with. She will greatly be missed.

Christina Quick

January 8, 2012

Patty was an amazing and incredible woman!!!! I met her through my sister, whom she coached at Jenkins, and she was always so sweet and kind to me. She had the greatest smile and always had positive uplifting words to say. My sister, Bethany, can't express her condolences on here as she is currently out of the country, but on her behalf, I would just like to say that Patty was like a second mom to Bethany. She treasured spending time with Patty and loved every minute of it- whether Patty was coaching her, giving her words of advice, or even if they were just spending quality time together, Bethany had a blast laughing and talking with her. She was truly like a second mother to Beth and her mentor. I will always remember her smiling face and her kindness towards my family! She was even able to come by my baby shower for my second daughter, and she took the time to make her a beautiful quilt :) She also put forth time and effort to make wonderful cloth napkins for our wedding :) she was always so giving and wonderful at sharing her gift of crafting with others!!! Her generousity and love for others will never be forgotten. I know heaven has a new angel now, and we will forever miss her smiling face :) We love you Patty!!!

Melanie Reis

January 8, 2012

Lovely, beautiful, joyful, kind, strong Patty...I cannot believe that you have left us but I know now that you are in a better place with the Lord and that you will always be watching over us and guiding us. I will never forget your never ending love and open arms for those around you. You were by far the best host in the entire world:) It is amazing to me just how much of my childhood was spent in your pasture with the horses. Those fond memories of house sitting during numerous weekends (turning into a second home for the Reis family), hot tubing, playing with the kittens, witnessing two horses being born (you placing a robe on them when they were cold and allowing them to have just a sip of your coffee haha), teaching me how to do my first backwalkover on a piece of tape on your carpet, all us girls singing that goofy song Da-Da-Da in your many robes and hopping around your kitchen over and over again, and the list goes on and on!
You honestly were a mother to me Patty as well as a caring friend, I will never forget that, and I could never begin to express just how blessed I felt to have been loved by you growing up. I love you so much and will miss you greatly! Rob, my thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, the Reis family will always be here for you.

rita wiscaver

January 8, 2012

Rob, you have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you.

Sam Bookman

January 8, 2012

I can't remember my life without Patty in it. She had such an impact on my family and I. We all have such great memories of her. She was the strongest person I have ever known and I will miss her every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob, Jessie and her family.

Sam Bookman and family

Laurie Arey

January 8, 2012

We will always remember the good times we shared with Patty on our many horseback rides. She was always happy and willing to listen with a caring soul. A very giving person, she will be missed. Love Denis and Laurie

Karen Brady

January 8, 2012

DEAR ROB, I was so sad to see Patty's name in the paper, such a hard long battle for both of you. Peace finally for Patty. She was alway one of my favorites at our office. She always asked about my boys and husband, with not one mention of her own battles. A true friend that I will miss beyond words. I will miss that curley red hair and that faithful side kick Jesse. Love to all of you and Peace to you Patty
Friends Karen Brady @ Dr. Doolittle's office

Lucrecia Holland

January 8, 2012

I too worked with Patty at Jenkins and she was such a beautiful soul! Always had a smile for everyone and such a free spirit. RIP Patty.

Danette Grantz

January 8, 2012

Mrs. Ross reached out to me when I became a first year teacher. She was willing to share her materials, her time and her talents. I will never forget her kindness. May you be sharing your love of life in Heaven.
Love, Danette Grantz (Cunico)

Jessica rossoll

January 8, 2012

Mrs. ross, I remember it like it was yesterday when you and I went on my first horse ride. Even when you were at your weakest you were still able to get those sattles on the horses and ride them like a champ. You always were so positive and had the biggest smile on your face. My little nug loved you so much and he loved those apple slices you let him try for the first time :) I know you will live on through so many people lives and I know your watching over all of us right now. Im happy your completely healed and living it up with chilli in heaven riding away :) ill always remember the awesome times we all shared at your beautiful home. Your wisdom and knowledge will live on through all of us and I cant wait to meet up with you in heaven one day. Heaven has a new beautiful angel now I love you mrs. ross rest in paradise.!

Cheryl Rossoll

January 8, 2012

Oh Patty Patty...you will be loved and missed! I remember first meeting you as Bethany's volleyball coach and Photography teacher and Jessica's too...They have loved you from that day forward. At first I knew you as the amazing teacher that encouraged my kids. After you got cancer, we became friends. I remember the lil talks we'd have over lunch, the times we'd work in your flower garden together, the doctor's appointments we'd go to,the times we'd brush the horses at the barn, the stories you would tell...You even encouraged me in parenting all 4 of my girls, who each ADORED you, even my grandkids loved ya. I will miss you're FANTASTIC smile your lil laugh and our times together. Thank you for being a 2nd Mom to Bethany, you gave her a love for volleyball, photography, and I believe your joyful heart is forever in Bethany's personality. Love you Always!!! Cheryl Rossoll

Holly Garvin

January 8, 2012

I remember sharing some great laughs and times at Jenkins Middle School with you. You are such a great person with the biggest heart. You will be missed and your work will carry on through the people you have touched. RIP Patty!

Patty's riding free again

Mark Reis

January 8, 2012

Patty in "The Meadow"

Mark Reis

January 8, 2012

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