Obituary of Helen Ross

With sad hearts, but many joyful memories, we announce the passing on January 28, 2021 of Helen Ross at the age of 92 years.

Helen was born in Portreeve, Saskatchewan on June 17, 1928.  She was the third of four daughters for Arthur and Annette Gayton.   Growing up in a rural small town, she had an endearing way of being a compliant daughter, while still finding a way to challenge the boundaries. It set the stage for a life of being admired and quickly liked by most everyone that met her.

Helen was the original adventurer. Not only did she embark on a career as a nurse in the 1940’s, but shortly after she graduated, she moved to Hawaii for a year to work in a VA hospital.  The memories she created while she was in Hawaii stayed with her for her lifetime. 
It didn’t take long after her return to Canada to find her soul-mate and husband, Gordon Ross.  They married in 1954 and moved to the farm in Paynton where Helen easily settled into life as a farm wife.  She embraced the hard work and the steep learning curve, conquering every challenge she encountered.  

She valued being part of a family enterprise with Gordon’s brother Eric, his wife, Mick and their children, Bonnie, Penny, Lorylle and Glen, all of whom considered Helen their second mom.  When Helen’s daughter (Karen) arrived on the scene in 1961 and son (Greg) in 1963, their farm family was complete.

Helen loved the farm, but also knew it was time to move on after Gordon passed away on April 3, 1996.  In true “Helen fashion”, she built a new house, moved to Maidstone, and immersed herself in the community where she quickly became known as a good friend and avid volunteer.

In 2013, with the onset of some health problems, it became apparent that Helen would need to move to Saskatoon to be closer to medical support.  She took that move in stride and quickly settled into her new home, once again becoming a valued friend to everyone that knew her.  In October of 2017, she suffered an aortic dissection, which almost always results in immediate death.  But Helen’s spirit triumphed again as she not only recovered but also managed to complete a rehab program, much to the shock of the medical community.

Helen’s passion was people.  She loved her friends, and cherished her family.  And in all cases, that was love was reciprocated.  Throughout her life, she courageously said goodbye to her mother and father, her husband (Gordon) and her oldest sister (Alpha), along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

Helen leaves many to treasure her memory, including sisters, Edith Wallace and Rhoda Shurgot; daughter, Karen (Greg) Low; son, Greg (Tina) Ross;  grandchildren, Reagan and Karly Low, Ty and Keaton Ross, and Dane (Trista) Willett; one great grandchild, Ethan Willett; and the MANY people that will always call her FRIEND.

We plan to celebrate Helen’s life at a time when we can gather without the many restrictions now in place.  

Donations in her memory can be made to the Maidstone Health Complex.