Obituary for Marilyn J. Gross
Mrs. Marilyn J. Gross, age 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023.
She was born April 16, 1930 to Vernie L. and Elizabeth B. (Graham) Haggard. She was united in marriage to John A. Gross on July 10, 1951 in Harrison, Ark. They shared a story book love, the blind date that never ended. The moment she laid eyes on John when he picked her up from her job at Harzfeld’s Department Store, she knew they would spend forever together. Her world revolved around him and to this union, three children were born.
After graduating from Sweet Springs High School, Marilyn moved to Kansas City for work. Upon their marriage, John and Marilyn moved to Fort Knox, KY until his deployment to Korea. While he was overseas, Marilyn moved back to Missouri with their infant son. Following the military, his career in insurance took them to many locations.
Marilyn was a proud homemaker, with each move she would lovingly make a home for her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties, using her fine China and fancy serving dishes. Her love of hosting dinner parties continued even after John’s passing.
Involved in many organizations such as Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Jane Randolph Jefferson Chapter, she served as past Registrar, Chaplain, and Historian. In 2020 Marilyn received the Historic Preservation Award for her community volunteer work. She was also a member of Chapter HM, P.E.O. She was a long-time docent at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion fulfilling this role for more than 20 years.
Marilyn loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. While living in Russellville she started a youth choir at their church. Her talent continued with being a wonderful seamstress, making most of her girls’ dresses when they were young. But by far her favorite pastime was genealogy. She spent decades doing genealogy research and even did it professionally for families and organizations. She loved to travel and incorporated her research into each trip. She spent 42 years enjoying many adventures with her beloved John.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan Holloway (Galen) of Jefferson City; daughter-in- law, Denny Ann Gross of Michigan; son-in-law, Alex Plassmeyer of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Sarah Judd (Kris), Melanie Hannaway (JP), John Gross (Mariette), Alex Jane McBeth (Brian); 11 great grandchildren, Joslyn Judd, Lenora Judd, Jameson Judd, Jack Hannaway, Will Hannaway, JJ Gross, Wyatt Gross, Evelyn Gross, Katherine McBeth, Samantha McBeth, Zachary McBeth.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; son, Lt. Col. John Gross; and daughter, Jane Plassmeyer.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery with the Reverend David Avery officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Christian Church of Jefferson City or Central Missouri Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
www.freemanmortuary.com
She was born April 16, 1930 to Vernie L. and Elizabeth B. (Graham) Haggard. She was united in marriage to John A. Gross on July 10, 1951 in Harrison, Ark. They shared a story book love, the blind date that never ended. The moment she laid eyes on John when he picked her up from her job at Harzfeld’s Department Store, she knew they would spend forever together. Her world revolved around him and to this union, three children were born.
After graduating from Sweet Springs High School, Marilyn moved to Kansas City for work. Upon their marriage, John and Marilyn moved to Fort Knox, KY until his deployment to Korea. While he was overseas, Marilyn moved back to Missouri with their infant son. Following the military, his career in insurance took them to many locations.
Marilyn was a proud homemaker, with each move she would lovingly make a home for her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties, using her fine China and fancy serving dishes. Her love of hosting dinner parties continued even after John’s passing.
Involved in many organizations such as Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Jane Randolph Jefferson Chapter, she served as past Registrar, Chaplain, and Historian. In 2020 Marilyn received the Historic Preservation Award for her community volunteer work. She was also a member of Chapter HM, P.E.O. She was a long-time docent at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion fulfilling this role for more than 20 years.
Marilyn loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. While living in Russellville she started a youth choir at their church. Her talent continued with being a wonderful seamstress, making most of her girls’ dresses when they were young. But by far her favorite pastime was genealogy. She spent decades doing genealogy research and even did it professionally for families and organizations. She loved to travel and incorporated her research into each trip. She spent 42 years enjoying many adventures with her beloved John.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan Holloway (Galen) of Jefferson City; daughter-in- law, Denny Ann Gross of Michigan; son-in-law, Alex Plassmeyer of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Sarah Judd (Kris), Melanie Hannaway (JP), John Gross (Mariette), Alex Jane McBeth (Brian); 11 great grandchildren, Joslyn Judd, Lenora Judd, Jameson Judd, Jack Hannaway, Will Hannaway, JJ Gross, Wyatt Gross, Evelyn Gross, Katherine McBeth, Samantha McBeth, Zachary McBeth.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; son, Lt. Col. John Gross; and daughter, Jane Plassmeyer.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery with the Reverend David Avery officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Christian Church of Jefferson City or Central Missouri Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
www.freemanmortuary.com