1923 – 2012

DURHAM — Natalie H. Ross, 89, of Durham, passed away on Oct. 8, in the comfort of her lifelong home.

She was born in Lewiston on July 22, 1923, the daughter of Adelina Crockett Ross and Bernard Ross. Natalie graduated from Edward Little High School and later attended the Maine School of Commerce in Auburn. Following her schooling, she worked for 10 years at the Durgin Insurance Co.

Eventually, Natalie left the insurance business to attend to the family farm with her parents and sister, Althea. Together, Natalie and Althea ran Pleasant View Farm for a number of years, serving milk customers in Freeport and Durham. Their life on the farm was depicted in the book “What Can She Be? A Farmer,” written by Gloria and Esther Goldreich. Published in 1976, the book was meant to inspire young women and instill the belief that women can do anything for a profession.

Natalie was a member of the Quaker Meeting House in Durham. She enjoyed poetry, including favorites William Wordsworth’s “Daffodils” and James Hunt’s “Abou Ben Adhem.” She was a gentle and kind spirit who delighted in gardening, flowers, animals and nature. It was impossible to resist her quiet charm and grace.

She is survived by her sister, Althea Ross, who was her constant companion and with whom she shared her life and family home. Natalie is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be sadly missed by neighbors and those who cared for her in recent years as she touched their lives in many ways.

She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Barbara Ross Munn.