East Palestine, OH -

Irene C. Ross, 94, passed away April 13, 2020 at the Hospice House in Poland following a brief battle with Covid-19.

She was born April 3, 1926 in East Palestine, daughter of the late James, Jr. and Celia Gillis Rafferty.

Although Irene was a lifelong resident of the community, she has resided in Mahoning County for the past eighteen months prior to her passing. She was a graduate of East Palestine High School and worked as a Sewer for Kenmar for 12 years retiring in 1988. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church and their Ladies Aid Society. She loved baking, cooking for family and friends and canning.

Irene is survived by two daughters, Bonnie K. (Ron) Novak of East Palestine, and Christine A. (George) Sultan of Youngstown; a daughter-in-law, Cathy Ross of Negley; five grandchildren, Debra (Sean) Kuner, Krisann (Jamie) Lewis, Scott (Michelle) Ross, Mark (Erica) Ross, and Gregory Sultan; two sisters, Rosemary Freed and Lois Jean Papania both of East Palestine and eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Francis Ross, December 10, 2018; a son, Francis P. Ross December 15, 2014 as well as a brother James Rafferty in infancy and a sister, Florence Steinbrink.

A private service will be held with the immediate family. A private burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Ladies Campaign, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes, 180 Seventh Street, Columbiana, OH 44408.