Catherine Ross

Catherine Lynn Ross - January 13, 1955 – October 2, 2024

Cathy Ross, 69, of German Valley, passed away on October 2, 2024, after a short illness. She was born on January 13, 1955, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of George and Ida Saar. Cathy married Ken in 1975 at Grace Valley CRC.

Her first jobs were in banking at State Bank of Freeport, and later with German-American State Bank. Her real passion was for music. She taught piano lessons for years to friends, neighbors, all three of her kids, and several grandkids. Piano recitals were often held at nursing homes or retirement communities to allow each of her students to learn that music is a gift from God that should be shared.

Cathy served as organist and pianist for several decades, and later worship coordinator at Grace Valley for 15 years. In addition to weekly services, she also helped organize and lead many choirs, plays, Christmas programs, and Good Friday and Easter services. During this time she helped the church transition to a blended worship style that allowed so many people to share their musical gifts as part of the praise team.

Cathy had a strong heart for the disadvantaged. As a member of Grace Valley, she helped prepare or serve countless meals at Carpenter’s Place, Rock House Kids, and Rockford Rescue Mission. She also organized the church freezer meal ministry, which has made hundreds of frozen meals that anyone can take for themselves or anyone in need.

When a tornado or hurricane made the news, Cathy felt compelled to help. Sometimes that would be a day cleaning up at a nearby location, and she also made a dozen week-long trips to southern and eastern parts of America, where she touched the lives of many people she had never met.

Cathy loved to travel, and she planned many memorable vacations with her family, most notably to the national parks where everyone could marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.

Over the last several years, Cathy discovered pickleball, and she played a couple times every week. Her quiet, unassuming nature, and her formidable backspin, endeared her to so many, and fellow players soon became cherished friends.

Her favorite activity was spending time with her family, including her three kids, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. So much quality time was spent having sleepovers, playing games, going on adventures, or just hanging out together at home. If there was a concert or a ball game, she was there. Rain, snow, wind, cold, heat. No matter. There was Cathy with a blanket and an umbrella, ready to support her family.

Surviving is her husband, Ken; daughter, Natalie (Nate) Haas; son, Mike (Deb) Ross; daughter, Alison (Ryan) Glendenning; grandchildren, Alaina, Hunter, Parker, Mark, Adley, Luke, Zach, and Bristol; mother, Ida Saar-Hutchison; and siblings, Larry (Barb) Saar, David (Anna) Saar, Barb (Brian Sneed) Saar, and Mary (Nate) Meier.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father, George Saar, and her sister, Laurie Ludolph.

A visitation will be held Sunday October 6, 2024 from 4-7pm at Grace Valley Church. Funeral service will be held at Grace Valley Church on Monday October 7, 2024 at 11am. There will also be a visitation from 10am until the time of service Monday.

A memorial has been established in Catherine’s memory for Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL and Rock House Kids in Rockford, IL.