"James, I?m sorry to hear about your mom. I have fond memories of both of your parents. They were always so kind & welcoming. Sending positive thoughts your way. Sincerely, Courtney (Zafft) Gbolo"
In loving memory of
Penny Ross
July 20, 1953 - July 3, 2018
Penny L. Ross, age 64, of Rochester, Minnesota died Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.
Penny Lea Ross was born July 20, 1953 in Rochester, Minnesota to George and Phoebe (Welke) Fenske. She was one of six children. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1971. She earned her bachelor degree at Mankato College. Penny married her high school sweetheart, Jim Ross in 1976. They were married for nearly 40 years when Jim died in 2016. Penny and Jim were soulmates and rarely apart. Penny worked as a real estate agent for 35 years. Penny and her husband had their own real estate company, working side by side for several years. They were loving parents to two children, Elizabeth and James. Penny and Jim were young at heart and enjoyed traveling, particularly to their second home in Sarasota, FL. They were overjoyed to become grandparents to Clara and Bennett and used every moment they could to spoil them. Penny will be deeply missed by family and friends.
She is survived by her son, James Ross of Rochester, MN and her daughter, Dr. Elizabeth (Josh) Reed of Minnetrista, MN; two grandchildren, Clara and Bennett; five siblings, Jean (Robert) Bentson of Rochester, MN, Charlene (Thomas) Case of Waseca, MN, Larry Fenske (Joanne Monson) of Rochester, MN, Paula (Philip) Reilly of Eden Prairie, MN and Rick (Sue) Fenske of Brooklyn Park, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
The family invites you to celebrate Penny's life from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, July 20, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, Penny wished to have donations in her memory made to Paws and Claws Humane Society and Seasons Hospice.
To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"This brought tears to my eyes when I read in today's paper about your loss. Penny was our real estate agent (and friend) since we moved to Rochester back in August 1992. Unfortunately, our last contact with her was back in 2010. She was a wonderful person who spent A LOT of time with us, especially before our initial purchase here in Rochester. She will truly be missed."
"I worked with Penny for several years toward the end of her career. Penny was such a thoughtful, kind, and giving person. It was always a great day when Penny was in the office. She never missed a chance to share photos and boast about her grandchildren. We all adored her dearly and will miss her greatly. "
"Penny and I worked together in the real estate industry. We were also distant cousins, and would share a few laughs about our lineage. She was ever pleasant, and I enjoyed working with her...sorry for your loss. Kathy Henderson "
"I am saddened, and very sorry to hear of Penny's passing. She was always just such a joy to work. I always felt her heartfelt respect and yes we enjoyed talking about the "good old days" of selling real estate :)"
"I was so very sorry to hear that Penny was ill, and even more sad to hear of her passing. Hardworking professional... which I learned when she helped my daughter purchase a condo. She walked her through every step, explaining everything. There was a genuine concern that all went smoothly for her. It did! We shared memories of road trips, lunches and even the Red Hat club. Lots of laughs st all of our antics. My sympathies to her family. Ellen Carey"
"I am so sorry to hear of Penny's passing. My mom (Karen Erickson) and I enjoyed working with Penny for several years when she had her own real estate company. Over the years I had the privilege of working with her on other deals we had together and she was always a joy to work with, and of course we would reminisce about the good ol' days in real estate! My sympathies to her family. Tami Timbeross"
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Penny was such a well-liked person, respected by her clients and colleagues alike. The sun doesn't shine quite as bright without her in it."
"I was so very sorry to hear that Penny was ill, and even more sad to hear of her passing. Hardworking professional... which I learned when she helped my daughter purchase a condo. She walked her through every step, explaining everything. There was a genuine concern that all went smoothly for her. It did! We shared memories of road trips, lunches and even the Red Hat club. Lots of laughs st all of our antics. My sympathies to her family. Ellen Carey"
"I was so very sorry to hear that Penny was ill, and even more sad to hear of her passing. Hardworking professional... which I learned when she helped my daughter purchase a condo. She walked her through every step, explaining everything. There was a genuine concern that all went smoothly for her. It did! We shared memories of road trips, lunches and even the Red Hat club. Lots of laughs st all of our antics. My sympathies to her family. Ellen Carey"
"I was so very sorry to hear that Penny was ill, and even more sad to hear of her passing. Hardworking professional... which I learned when she helped my daughter purchase a condo. She walked her through every step, explaining everything. There was a genuine concern that all went smoothly for her. It did! We shared memories of road trips, lunches and even the Red Hat club. Lots of laughs st all of our antics. My sympathies to her family. Ellen Carey"
"To James and Elizabeth, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She loved you both very much and was so proud of both of you. Penny has endured so much these past few years, and she often told me she looked forward to join her loving Jim and her doggies. Please know she was a very special friend, and I am going to miss her so much. May God bless you both with fond memories of your mom, her love for you will be with you always. With deepest sympathy, Nancy Vold"