Betty Jane Gentile Ross

Highlands NC - Betty Jane Gentile Ross, 87, of Highlands, NC passed away Friday, December 2, 2011 after a short stay in Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

She was born October 15, 1924 in Sewickley, PA, and grew up in Negley and East Palestine, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Grace Harte Gentile and a 1942 graduate of East Palestine High School. Betty was married to the late Henry Ross for 49 years and traveled widely with him during his 40-year career at Delta Air Lines. She was a homemaker and a pre-school teacher for 14 years at East Point (GA) Presbyterian Church. Betty later married the late Walton Smith of Clarksville, TN.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Highlands and also a former member of East Point Presbyterian Church and Northwest Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Highlands Country Club for 28 years and a former member of the East Point Garden Club.

She will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, devotion to family, love of animals and reading, and always being in favor of having a good time with friends and relatives.

Surviving is one daughter, Paula Ross Derrick and husband Kirby of Glencoe, AL, two sons David H. Ross and wife Olga Mary Ross of Kennesaw, GA, and Henry "Hank" Ross and wife Cathy McIntyre-Ross of Highlands, NC, one sister Jean Beale of Miami, FL., a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rose Castiglioni and Francis Ross of East Palestine, Ohio, special niece Connie Hays Parish, Peachtree City, GA, three stepchilden: Mary Milam Jenkins,Walton Smith, Jr., and Corrine Smith. Four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands with Rev. Dr. Don Mullen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Library, P.O. Box 430, Highlands, NC 28741.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.