Beverly A. Ross passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 89, in Brookings, SD. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 29, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, SD. A visitation will be held May 28, 2026 at Rude’s Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.
Bev was born on July 21, 1936 in Orient S.D. to William and Ellen Anna (Nielsen) Giles. Bev received her education in the Estelline Schools. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, William “Bill” Ross on July 25, 1952 in Brookings SD. They welcomed their sons Blaine in 1954 and Randy in 1956. They moved to Rapid City in 1957 and daughter Melanie completed the family in 1960. After moving back to Brookings in 1965 Bev was employed at Montgomery Ward, Spies Super Value, and in 1971 she was employed with the City of Brookings Street Department, where she retired from as Office Manager in 1996.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings, the Brookings Peace Officer’s Auxiliary, and the South Dakota State Peace Officers Auxiliary. Bev & Bill enjoyed many years at their cabin on Lake Campbell near Danceland, where they spent many Saturdays dancing the night away. Bev enjoyed sewing, crafts, doing word puzzles, and cooking. She was known for her beet pickles and peanut brittle, which she thoroughly enjoyed sharing with friends. Most important to her in life were her family & friends, both the two legged and four legged varieties. Her children, and Bill for that matter, were never denied any strays they brought home. Through the years they were too numerous to count. Many dogs, several cats, rabbits, a blind turtle, and even a baby squirrel. Pets, friends, and new family members, she welcomed them all with open arms.
Bev is survived by her sons, Blaine Ross, (Vicki), Randy Ross (Kathi), and daughter Melanie Lind (Jerry), grandson Matthew Ross, granddaughters Laurie Rodriguez (Angello), and Elizabeth Ross. She is also survived by bonus grandchildren, Brittany, Renae, Justin, Mitch, Jeannie, Christa, Kelsey, Alison, several bonus great grandchildren, several nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, her parents, sisters Leona Davis, Viola Knutson, Hazel Bouren, Irene Pederson, Maxine Linneman, Joyce Peters, and brothers Donald Giles and Vernon Pedersen.
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