Clara Mae Ross

Clara Mae Alt Ross, age 93 of Colfax, NC, passed away Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019 at her residence in Colfax, NC. Born on February 26, 1926 in Grant County, WV, she was a daughter of the late Christian Dasher Alt and Clara Schartiger Alt. Clara’s many gifts included being an avid gardener of beautiful flowers grown in the yard that she loved tending. Her handiwork extended into her pastime of embroidery and needlework that she enjoyed creating and sharing.

One of Clara’s greatest passions was genealogy research. For over 45 years, she worked to trace her family tree. Long before electronic records were available, she spent long hours researching courthouse records, making trips to family cemeteries and delving into extended family history through her correspondence. Clara generously shared the fruits of her research in self-published books that she provided to the various branches of her family.

Surviving is her husband, John Tawney Ross, Jr.; two sons, Robert Alan Ross of  Greensboro, NC and Gary David Ross of Colfax, NC; a brother Chris J. Alt of Moorefield, WV; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be conducted 11:00 AM Saturday, December 28, 2019 at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street with Pastor Harold George as officiant. Interment will follow at the Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM.