Joyce Ross Obituary

Joyce "Manon" Ross, age 86, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025.
Manon was born on July 29, 1939, in Central City, Kentucky, to Rollie and Gladys Hudson. She graduated from Owensboro Senior High School, Class of 1957, and went on to earn a Master of Education with a Rank 1 Certificate from Murray State University and Western Kentucky University. She built a long and fulfilling career as a teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools, where she taught for 27 years before retiring.
A woman of determination, Manon lived a life filled with love, purpose, and gratitude. For many years, she raised her two children in Louisville as a single mother, instilling in them the values of strength, education, and perseverance. In 1978, she married Robert J. "Bob" Ross, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2021. Together, they embraced a "dream life," spending winters in Ft. Myers, Florida, traveling widely, and enjoying countless rounds of golf and bridge.
Manon was an avid, skilled, and competitive bridge player, earning the esteemed title of ACBL Life Master in 2002. She also loved golf, travel, and time spent with her beloved family. Her two children, Steven Shetler and Christa Shetler Gambert (Paul), and her grandchildren, Erin Gambert and Christopher Gambert (Margaret), held the deepest places in her heart. Her roles as "Mom" and "Mimi" were her greatest joy and pride.
Faith was a constant in Manon's life. Raised in the Baptist church, she later converted to Catholicism in 1978 before ultimately finding her church home at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, where she remained until her final days.
Manon is preceded in death by her parents, Rollie and Gladys Hudson, her husband, Robert J. "Bob" Ross, and her brother, David Michael Hudson.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, eight children, Steven Shetler, Christa Shetler Gambert (Paul), Carolyn Ross, Laura Hay (Kim), Mary Jo Schwartz (Ron), Nancy Baughn (Daniel), David Ross, and Michael Ross (Shelly). Manon will be missed by her treasured extended Ross family that spans 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Mary Hudson, and a host of wonderful friends.
Manon will be remembered for her strength, independence, and unwavering pride in her family. She often said she "had lived the most blessed life of anyone she knew," and her family is grateful to have shared it with her.
Visitation will be from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Ratterman Brothers, East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243). Funeral service will be 11:00am on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Rd, Louisville, KY 40299) and burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Her family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who became like family during her final years, providing excellent care, compassion, and comfort.
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