Christene Ross

Christene Ellis Ross of Dallas, Texas passed away on November 23, 2021 at the age of 83.

Christene was born in Yuma, Arizona to Ulytha & Lawrence Ellis.  The third oldest of eleven siblings, she was graduate of the University of Arizona in Tucson. Among her many college activities, she was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and ROTC.  After college she joined the United States Army, working as a Dietician.  Her time in the military took her across the United States including stops in San Antonio, Texas for training as well as to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. However, it was her duty assignment to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado where she would meet her future husband, Robert Sands Ross.  She and Robert married and within a few years welcomed their daughter, Deborah Ann, to the family.  Christene was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain when Debbie was born.  She transitioned from military life to motherhood and eventually to a career in banking.  During her time as a bank officer she made many friends and mentored others who remained lifelong friends.

Modeling a life of faith and service, she pursued a Masters of Divinity from the University of Denver’s Iliff School of Theology.  This led her to be on the leadership and pastoral staff of local churches in the Denver area including Macedonia Baptist Church.  Even in her final days she could be found reciting the 23rd Psalm on a daily basis and praying for friends and staff at her care home in Dallas.

Christene was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Curtis Ellis, Lawrence Ellis, Jr., and Joseph Ellis; by sisters DeLoise Juniel & Linda Graham; nephews Cornelius Hudson & Jason Graham.  She is survived by brothers James Ellis and Willie Ellis, and sisters Shirlene Hudson, Maxine Geathers & Patricé Ellis, daughter Debbie Mitchell & Granddaughter Victoria Mitchell.

A Funeral Service honoring her life will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 3:00pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel.  The Interment with military honors will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10:00AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Service can be viewed  lived, by clicking the link below:

https://bxcited.com/cristene-ross/

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