OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20010, 26 October 1926, Page 8

OBITUARY

MRS ROBERT ROSS. Mere words cannot express or cold type convey the depths of the regret occasioned throughout Southland by the death of Mrs Robert Ross aged 71 years. It has been said of her that she was the most popular woman in Invercargill. She was more than that; she was loved by every one with whom she came in contact and it is safe to say that hundreds of people are mourning her loss to-day. The late Mrs Ross was born at Primrose Hill, London, in 1855, and two years later her parents went to Australia taking up residence at Port Fairy, Melbourne. Shortly after her marriage in 1875 she came to Invercargill and immediately interested her">elf in the work of St. John’s Anglican Church and choir. This interest was maintained until the time of her death. Mrs Ross was possessed of a beautiful natural soprano voice—indeed it had been stated by competent judges that had she received training she would have taken her place among the world’s vocal celebrities. As it was she held pride of place among Invercargill singers for over 35 years. During that time she opened Ramsay’s Hall, was first and last to sing in Broad, Small’s and opened the Municipal Theatre. She made a special study of oratorio work and her singing in the Messiah will never be forgotten by those privileged to hear her. It was stated that, given tuition, she would have made a name for herself in the music world. She preferred, however, to render a greater service—a service to humanity. For fifty years she ministered to those in trouble—high or low, rich or poor, all turned to her for comfort and sought not in vain. Hers was a wonderful life, devoted to the service of others and in that service she found happiness. She is survived by her husband, Mr Robert Ross, three daughters, Mrs F. Thomas and Mrs A. W. Mulligan, both of Wellington, and Miss D. Ross, Invercargill, and four sons, Messrs F. Ross, Plimmerton, A. Ross, Wellington, Fred Ross, Monon Mains and Herbert Ross, Invercargill, to whom widespread sympathy will be extended.