Helen Irene Ross

Helen Irene Ross, 94, of Chatfield, Ohio, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Carlisle Place, surrounded by her family. Born in rural Crawford County to the late Frank and Bertha (Leonberger) Scheffler, she grew up on a small family farm where she learned the values of hard work, community, Christian faith, and family love. Preceded in death by her husband Myron Ross, sister Ruth Loy, brothers Wayne (Betty) Scheffler and Milton Scheffler, and her parents, Helen is survived by her children, Glenn (Charlene) Ross and Janeen (Robert) McFarling; grandchildren, Joseph Ross, Lauren McFarling and Matthew McFarling; brother-in-law Wilmer Loy; sister-in-law Julia Scheffler; and many nieces and nephews.

In 1955, Helen married the love of her life, Myron Ross, in a simple ceremony at Good Hope Lutheran Church. Together they shared 46 years of quiet devotion, laughter, and partnership until Myron’s passing in 1998. A devoted homemaker, Helen kept her home warm and welcoming, with coffee always ready and room at the table for one more. She was known for her exceptional baking, especially her cinnamon and pecan rolls, and was an expert seamstress who created many garments for her family on her trusted Singer sewing machine. Her crochet work brought joy to family and friends alike.

A graduate of the Holmes Liberty class of 1949, Helen was a lifelong farmer alongside Myron, tending gardens, canning produce, and nurturing her beloved roses. Her baking earned recognition at local and state fairs, including Best of Show at both the Crawford County and Ohio State Fairs. A faithful member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Chatfield, she supported the Buckeye Central Bucks sports programs and cherished traveling with Myron, family, and friends. Above all, Helen lived with simple grace, often responding to life’s absurdities with her signature phrase, “Oh for Pete’s Sake,” while finding her greatest lessons in the garden, the kitchen, and the care of those she loved.