Kay Franklin Ross

Date of Death: February 26, 2025

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visitation

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Thursday 3/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Braddock Street United Methodist Church

Friday 3/14, 11:00 am

Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street
Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601
www.brhospice.org

Kay Franklin Ross, 77, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Kay was born on April 19, 1947, in Winchester, VA, the daughter of the late Agnes Geanious and Robert Franklin. She graduated from John Handley High School in 1965 and continued her education at Madison College (now James Madison University) in Harrisonburg, VA.

Kay was deeply involved in the Winchester community, serving in various capacities throughout her life. She spent over 30 years as an educator specializing in early childhood development in the Winchester Public School system, most recently at Quarles Elementary School, where she was highly regarded by students, parents, and teachers alike. Additionally, Kay volunteered for more than 30 years with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, contributing in numerous ways, including Queen’s Escort for multiple festivals. She was also an active member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church, where she and her late husband, James Michael “Jim” Ross, were dedicated volunteers.

Kay will be remembered as a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother to 12 grandchildren. Her love for family, friends, the city of Winchester, the Outer Banks, and her cherished dogs will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Kay married Jim Ross on December 16, 1989, in Williamsburg, VA.

She is survived by her daughters Laura Sprinkel Lund of Arlington, VA, Sarah Sprinkel Wheat and her husband Alex of Berkeley, CA; sons James Frederick “Jay” Sprinkel and his wife Katharine of Millersville, MD, and James Michael “Mike” Ross and his wife Eugenia of Dunn Loring, VA; 12 grandchildren: Madeline and Abigail Lund; Catcher, Scout, and Tillie Wheat; Ava, Emerson, Declan, Finlay, Silas, and Poppy Sprinkel; and Eva Ross; her sister Brenda Franklin Sullivan and her husband John “Jack” Sullivan of Harrisonburg, VA, along with many extended family members and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 14, at Braddock Street United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Kay may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, #405, Winchester, VA 22601; www.brhospice.org

Jerome & Dawn Polston

Kara McDaniel

Mary Felicio Wright

Clarence Stokes jr. Lindsey Legg

Kate Morgan

EllenMcWhorterMartin

Sara Jones

Heidi

Bonnie & Craig Sewell

Amber naylor

Light a candle

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Thursday 3/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Braddock Street United Methodist Church

Friday 3/14, 11:00 am

Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street
Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601
www.brhospice.org

Watch Video Tribute

See Condolences

Kay was the kindest and most gracious person I’ve ever met. She never encountered a stranger. She always had time to chat wherever you ran into her. She had so much love and pride for her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.

So sorry for your loss. I had no idea. You always had so much care, for my mother, June. I always appreciated that, and knew that she loved you God bless you❤️

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Kay was a truly special person and she will be missed!

My deepest condolences to cousin Kay's family. May God wrap his arms around each and every one of you during this hard time. God Bless... Donald Franklin

For more than three decades, Kay was my rock, my friend, my constant support and confidante. It's just so weirdly quiet without her laugh, and seems cold without her hugs. She kept my spirits up through a bad divorce, losing my sister and mother, and even hosted a beautiful baby shower for my daughter's first child. Together, we taught hundreds of preschoolers and she loved the magic that the opportunity of preschool brought to their lives. Right before Christmas, we ran into each other in CVS and reminisced about our best memories of those classes and of those amazing students we shared who are now adults. Soon after that chance meeting, she learned the source of her discomfort and we talked many times by phone about how I could support her during treatments, as she had supported me through my cancer journey. I never got to pay that debt. Kay's giving heart and her generosity were epic. She was so very loved and is so very missed by those whose lives she blessed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Sweet Kay was a true example of "good things coming in small packages". My family was blessed to have known her. She was such a dedicated mother and our prayers are with her children, her family, and her many friends. Our Heaven has welcomed a new angel. With love, Bonney Foglesong

Kay was one of the most loving and amazing women I have ever met. I have so many wonderful memories of her. Her laugh, her hugs, her advice - loved it all. Forever grateful to her for her love and kindness. She will forever mean so much to me. Praying God will bless your whole family with strength, comfort, and peace.

I knew Kay for most of my life being best friends with her sister. My thoughts and prayers go out to Brenda and Kay’s entire family, friends and colleagues. We’ll all miss you. 💟

A real loss to the community. I'll remember Kay fondly as SABF volunteers and delighted in catching up when shopping at McKee's. RIP.

I already miss the laughs and long conversations with my dear sister-in-law. You were a rock for me, and I will miss you dearly. Love, Tom

Kay and I have worked together for the past 5 years. She insisted on having myself and my kids call her KK. She was like my mother. KK - you are greatly missed. Thank you for always lending a listening ear. Love ya!

You meant so much to all of us. You will be missed. Love Mary and Zach Wright

Kay was such a blessing and JOY! Everyone she met was uplifted and saw this world as a better place. Lots of love and prayers to all her family and friends.

Mrs. Ross was with me on the bus for WPS as the attendant. She was amazing with the Stepping Stones children. We had so many laughs together while transporting the students to and from school. Mrs. Ross was always there if you needed someone to talk to or some advise. She was always fun to be around and share a great moment together. I know she will be greatly missed by WPS and all that knew her. I was very proud to have been able to call her my friend. You will be greatly missed :(

Dearest Family, Classmates Friends of Kay Franklin Ross, What an honor to have known Kay! First as members of the Handley H.S. bands. Then, as a member of "MOD and the Rockers" band. Kay and her many friends would often attend "MOD" dances during our active days 1965-69; and for these last 50-years. And EVERY TIME, it was HUG TIME with both Kay and Jimmy. Those hugs will be missed, until we get to do it all again, as we meet together for eternity. Gary McIntyre--Va. Beach (formerly Winchester) and all of the members of MOD and the Rockers! Rock-on Kay!!

In memory of Kay Franklin Ross, Clarence Stokes jr. Lindsey Legg lit a candle

The staff at BSUMC wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Kay Ross. We grieve with you over the loss of Kay. May the Lord bless you and keep you near to Him during theses difficult days and the ones ahead. May He bless you with a peace that passes all human understanding. May He heal your hurting hearts. With love and deep sorrow.

Kay was a shining light at Kimberly’s where we worked together. She was always sharing a story, inquiring about others, or lending a helpful hand. She will truly be missed.

We have many wonderful Apple Blossom memories of Kay. Her laugh was infectious and she was a joy to be around. Love and Blessings to her family. Barbara & George Van Osten

It is difficult for me to realize that I will never be able to enjoy our weekly phone calls! You were always so upbeat and funny, and at times a rock if I was having a difficult time. You will always be in my heart and the last time we spoke; you left me with the most endearing thought that a friend could express! Your words to me were "nothing will ever come between our friendship!" Will miss you so much, my friend!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Prayers for the family! Such a sweet lady who will be missed. Our families spent lots of time together including family vacations at Nags head and I will always remember how sweet she always was!

Your mother was one of the most amazing and happy person i have ever met i remember her with a smile on her face and always a kind word to share may she rest in peace

Wonderful woman and teacher will be missed by many. Left quite the positive imprint on my son and we are eternally grateful. Rest easy Mrs. Ross

In memory of Kay Franklin Ross, Heidi lit a candle

Kay was a driving force in everything she did....she loved her family, friends, Apple Blossom, and being a teacher up until the last few months. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Prayers to Kay's family.

My memories of Kay-Kay are many. Next door neighbor, friend, confidant, mutual animal lover, love of flowers, beach buddy, forgiver of my language at times, good food, the list goes on. I will never "porch sit" and not think of you, my friend. Tell "all who have gone before" hello and I love them, too. You are and will always be terribly missed.😪💜

Always enjoyed being around Kay.. Fun,caring,great with the Quarles students,

We will miss you dear friend 💔 condolences to your beautiful, loving family. Pat and Don Packard

Our sincere condolence for the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful woman , inside and out. Always remember her warm smile.

In memory of Kay Franklin Ross, Amber naylor lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.