Patricia Ross Obituary

Patricia L. (Groff) Ross

Sep 14, 1939 - Sep 30, 2025

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Patricia L (Groff) Ross, 86, residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale after a brief illness.

She writes a different sort of obituary:

"Eighty plus years ago, I was born to parents in the funeral business in Sandusky, Ohio. My father's reputation is still legendary. He wanted to be the very best funeral director in the world, and the town seemed to believe he accomplished his wish. My brother followed suit -- and my niece continues.

Death in our family for nearly the last 100 years has always been a passage of pride. And now it's time for me to add my name to the long list.

I did not stay in the business or in Sandusky. Not for a lack of love for both. I wanted to begin my own adventure.

Along the way I found myself in Florida. Ohio and Florida. Equally loved. One of my first sunshine accomplishments was graduating from the University of Miami in Florida.

I soon found myself in love with an older man -- with four children! Really off to the races. Life was hectic. Jan (John Neil), my husband, passed after 20 years. It was a good marriage.

I wanted my later years to be just mine. I had long chased the antique world and had studied and prepared to finish my life as a little old-lady antique dealer.

And that's exactly what I did. I had two different shops in Fort Lauderdale that both did well. I traveled the States, Europe, England --wherever there was a good sale.

That's pretty much my life.

And I loved it."

Pat is survived by her sisters, Mary Lee "Starr" Groff of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Texas and Terese Groff (Anthony) Pulizzi of Sandusky; sister-in-law, Ann Groff of Sandusky; her beloved dog, a cockapoo named Dickens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, F. Leo and Madelyn (Raab) Groff, Pat is preceded in death by her husband, J.N. Ross; brother, Leon Groff; and dogs, Max and Jake.

Private family services will take place in Ohio, and a Celebration of Life for friends and family in Florida will be announced at a later date. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory in Sandusky is handling arrangements. Burial will follow at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, Ohio.

Those wishing to contribute to Pat's memory may do so to Sandusky Central Catholic Schools, care of Groff Family Scholarship Fund, 410 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.