Phyllis Rae Ross

Phyllis Rae Ross, 82, of Ashtabula, passed away on July 27, 2026, at Jefferson Healthcare following a long-term illness with dementia.

Born on May 25, 1944, in Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio, Phyllis was the daughter of Charlie Wood Sr and Emma Brown. 

A proud Baptized Christian, she lived a vibrant and full life rooted in her love for her family and her unshakeable spirit. Even through her battle with dementia, Phyllis never lost her spunkiness. Outgoing, outspoken, and fiercely independent, she was immensely proud to be a "Portsmouth Hillbilly" and split her time between her home in Ashtabula and West Portsmouth, Ohio.

Phyllis worked at Andover Nursing Home, but her true passions in life were her family, her animals, and raising a little bit of hell. Whether she was enjoying a cold beer, visiting the PennLine Bar in Linesville, Pennsylvania for years, hitting up flea markets, being goofy with her grandkids ,dancing to music, playing bingo, or collecting her beloved angel knickknacks, Phyllis truly loved to live life to the fullest. She spent years involving herself in the community helping Dream Center in Ashtabula Ohio. Before she passed away she expressed how much she loved EVERYONE!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles F. Wood Sr. and Emma Brown; her spouses, Richard Perdue Sr. and William Oakes Sr.; her children, Ricky Perdue (1989) and John Wayne Oakes (2020); her grandparents, Newell Earl Wood, Emma Marie Wilson, Ollie L. Altman , and Anna Maria Crabtree; her grandchild, Timothy Perdue; and her siblings, Charles Wood Jr. ("Bubby"), and Yvonne A. Wood.

Phyllis leaves behind a massive, loving family to cherish her memory, including her children and their spouses: Linda Decker, Robin Ramsey, Virginia Perdue, William L. Oakes Jr. (and wife Debra Oakes), Jesse Oakes, and Jason Oakes (Barb Vance)She is also survived by her sister, Ida Chambliss as well as an extensive legacy of numerous grandchildren, Emma Perdue(Justin), Faith Oakes, Dwight Oakes, Jessica Dikun, Justina Oakes, Justin Wilson, Jenna Wilson, Ethan Wuycheck, Elliot Wuycheck, Baylee Boban, Christopher Glover, Toni Martin; great-grandchildren including Abigail Fletcher (James Fletcher), Hayley Perdue (Shawn Howard), Danielle Perdue, Benelli Oakes, Colt Oakes, Liam Swope, Donnie Swope, Thomas Balasz Jr, Timothy Balasz, Mikey Balasz, Eli Gale, Willow Gale, Issac Wuycheck, Vitani Wuycheck, Paxton Fritzsche, Violet Barbar; great-great-grandchildren include Oaklee Howard, Emmett Fletcher, and Everlee Fletcher who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her former husband K.Ross.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Jefferson HealthCare's A Wing—specifically naming Shelby Hockenberry for her dedication—and Bella Care Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 2027, close to her birthday on May 25th; final details regarding the exact date, time, and location will be announced closer to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be mailed to Faith Oakes at 2831 S. Ridge Rd., Kingsville, Ohio 44048.

Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.

www.LakeErieCrematory.com