Betty Ann Ross

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, Betty Ann Ross (nee Balgemann), 70, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois passed away peacefully November 4, 2025 with her family by her side. She had bravely confronted and fought cancer for the last three and a half years. Betty was born March 1, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest daughter to the late Carol and Clarence Balgemann. She grew up in the town of Barrington, and graduated from Barrington High School class of 1973 where she also met and later married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Ross, on May 28, 1978. Betty attended Northern Illinois University for two years and transferred to Harper College where she received her associates degree in nursing. She went on to work at Sherman Hospital in Elgin for a brief time and then moved on to working as a flight attendant for Republic Airlines until her second daughter was born in 1983.

After moving to Coral Springs, Florida, and subsequently to Brier, Washington, Betty and Bruce finally settled down in Hoffman Estates, Illinois where they have lived for the past 33 years. Betty most recently worked in Community Consolidated School District 15 for over 10 years as a reading paraprofessional. Upon retirement, Betty found much joy in attending all birthdays, school performances, recitals, games, and competitions for her four beloved grandchildren. Family get-togethers for holidays and any occasion delighted her, and Betty did everything with the love of her friends and family in mind. Her grandchildren are her greatest legacy.

Betty is preceded in death by her grandparents Ethel and Carl Knapp, Clara and Ernest Balgemann; Aunt Peg Trenton; parents Carol and Clarence Balgemann; and older sister Betty Jane who passed away in infancy.

Betty is survived by her husband of 47 years, Bruce; daughters Erin (Sameer) Jafrani, and Kimberly (Luke) Piszczek; sister Mary (Don) Ruhff of Longwood, FL; brother Robert (Christine) Balgemann of Silverdale, WA; as well as 4 grandchildren: Lyla (13), Mia (13), Zoey (11) and Jakub (10); plus many extended family members and beloved friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025 at All Saints Lutheran Church 630 S. Quentin Road Palatine, Illinois. Private interment will follow.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Faith Feeds Food Pantry.

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