Martha Virginia Ross

Martha Virginia Ross, 80, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home the morning of November 21, 2025 with loved ones near.

Martha was born in Farmington, Michigan on September 2, 1945 to Jean and Angelo Roberts. She married William Wayne Ross on November 13, 1963, they shared their lives for 58 years.

Martha is preceded in death by her loving husband Wayne as well as siblings Angelo “Lanky”, Ramona “Elsie” (Bob), and Angela “Angie” (Ken). She is survived by her children Lisa (Dennis), Cyndi (Rob), William “Jason” (Kim) and granddaughter Melissa (Don), step-grandchildren Rich and Rebecca, and great-grandson Bentlee. She is also survived by siblings Edwin “Eddie” (Kathy), Jeannette (Joseph) and Neil.

Martha loved gardening. A love that grew from her mother-in-law’s passion over 50 years ago. Her amazing gardens will live on as a testament to the beauty she created and has left behind. Her love of gardening spread among friends and family and she regularly shared cuttings of her plants to help others start gardens of their own.

Martha’s and Wayne’s home was a loving place where friends and family regularly gathered for pool parties, card games, holidays, brunches (just a reason to have a get together) or for a cup of coffee.

Martha loved spending time with children, having special treasures and treats for them and making them pass the pool test in order to jump off the diving board! She especially loved spending time with Melissa. She and Wayne cherished her dearly. They had great fun on their annual vacations to Florida. She also loved tea parties and spending time with Bentlee.

Her other love was to spoil her precious Trixie, Peanut and Patch as well as Lisa’s Simbah, Subby, Max and Bear; Cyndi’s Chestnut, Ginger, and Blue; Jason’s Molly, Powder, Ace and kitties Bert and Ernie; and Melissa’s Meeko.

Martha graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oakland Community College, with a Computer Science degree in 1982. She had a very successful career and retired as the vice president of Information Technology at her company.

She was one of the earliest members of the National Organization of Women and fought for the equal rights amendment.

The Visitation will be held at Manns Family Funeral Home on December 8th from 11:00am to 2:00pm with the service to follow.

Memorial donations in memory of Martha may be made to Friends of the Rouge, 605 Church Street, Suite 209, Plymouth, MI 48170 or the Michigan Humane Society.