January 9, 1952 – March 11, 2021
Frances “Frankie” Ross of Rapid City died March 11, 2021 at her home.
Frankie was born January 9, 1952, the sixth daughter of Frank and Helen Ross. She graduated from Timber Lake High School in 1970.
After high school Frankie went to the University of South Dakota. She lived and worked in Alaska, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and New York. She moved back to Timber Lake in 1987 and then moved to Piedmont, where she met her life partner, Gene Gunderson. Gene passed away December 30, 2011. Frankie moved to St. Martin Village in Rapid City in 2016.
Frankie was a free spirit. She loved her family and her animal companions. She inspired strong loyalties, built meaningful relationships, and knew how to ruffle feathers – all while making you laugh along the way.
Frankie is survived by her siblings, DeMaris Fielder, Vallie (John) Pettersen, Charlie (Paula) Ross, and Brad (Linda) Ross; brothers-in-law Thayer Brown and Don Carlson: nieces and nephews Jane Marie, Eric and Ross Brown; Stacy, Ross and Tria Smith; Bonnie Luther; Lesa Valenzuela; Brian and Steven Pettersen; Cody and Kelsey Ross; and Karen and Robert Ross. She was called “Grandma Frankie” by Gene's grandchildren, Desiree, Tracy, Catessa, Eric, Jordan, Garrett, Austin, Vanessa and Mike.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Helen Ross, sisters Mary Jane Brown, Sally Carlson and Memoree Luther, and companion Gene Gunderson.
A memorial gathering with story telling is planned for June 19. The family is creating a book and ask that Frankie's friends send a story and/or picture to include. Send to Vallie Pettersen at valpet@sbcglobal. net or 7016 145th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142.