Phyllis Irene (Dowden) Gross, 83 years and 4 months, of Urbana, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her most.
She was born in Kenton, Ohio on August 25, 1940, to the late Leslie and Lois (Lease) Dowden.
Phyllis was a strong woman. She lived on various farms her entire life, with those coming up under her, all loving farm life in the country. She graduated from West Liberty in 1958.
After high school, she completed a business school program in Springfield. She then worked in Accounting, at Super Foods first, then for Tom Belser, CPA, both in Bellefontaine.
Next in life Phyllis married Harold C. Gross on November 10, 1974, in West Liberty, Ohio. They shared over 49 years of life together. When they married, she moved to Harold’s farm in Springfield, where she became a full-time homemaker. Then Phyllis and Harold began their family and the raising of their two girls. Twenty years later they moved outside of Urbana.
She was a good wife who always worked to support their farm, both with physical labor and keeping all the bookwork. Phyllis was a wonderful Mother who devoted her everything to her girls. She loved them both dearly and taught them how to love their families by her example of complete dedication and always being there for her family. She poured herself into them and supported everything they did with much patience. She always listened and truly cared. Phyllis faithfully took her girls to Sunday School and Church every week. She enjoyed music and singing. She loved flowers, especially orange ones, and spent much time in the garden and canning, and liked crossword puzzles.
She and Harold also enjoyed traveling with the Senior Citizen group later in life. She loved and adored her grandchildren and was always there to support them in every way possible. Phyllis attended church her whole life and currently was a member of Concord United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Harold C. Gross of Urbana, two daughters, Malinda (Ronald) Buchenroth of DeGraff, Christina (Jim) Bramlage of Bellefontaine, four grandchildren, Allison and Levi Buchenroth of DeGraff, Catherine and Elizabeth Bramlage of Bellefontaine, one brother, Harold (Nancy) Dowden of West Liberty, an uncle and aunt, Leroy and Elinor Dowden of West Liberty, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 29, in Vernon Funeral Home, 235 Miami St., Urbana, Ohio.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, in the funeral home with Pastor Mark Atterholt officiating. Family will receive friends 30 minutes prior.
Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.
