Barbara McArthur Ross

GLENBURN – Barbara McArthur Ross passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 6, 2022.

Barbara was born March 24, 1939, in Rumford, daughter of William and Agnes (Don) McArthur. The daughter of a paper-maker, Barbara spent her early years living in Rumford, Newark, Del., and finally Augusta. She graduated from Cony High School, class of 1957. She subsequently met and married the love of her life, Levi M. Ross III of Lisbon Falls.

Barbara and Levi eventually settled in Glenburn. Together they raised their family of five children. She met her close friend, Jackie Bouchey, and together they began their lifelong friendship starting a Girl Scout troop in Glenburn. Barbara believed in active participation in religious and service organizations like United Methodist Church, Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, the Glenburn Library, and was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern star. She shared her strong commitment to service in the community with her children.

Beyond her obvious role as matriarch of her immediate family, she was the family taxi driver, and CEO of what she called the “Ross Recreation Center”. Barbara believed in the importance of children enjoying the outdoors. Many neighborhood children came to our home, enjoyed games, exercise, and many fun times. When limited to indoor activities, Barbara loved to play Rummikub with her grandchildren and how she loved to tell stories (sometimes more than once!).

Barbara was a lifelong crafts person, making clothes for her children, afghans, mittens, draperies, and upholstering furniture. Her passion for quilting grew and over the years she became a fabric artisan resulting in amazing applique and Baltimore album quilts. When her children left the nest, she was employed by Joann Fabrics. There, she became an instructor, mentor, and advisor to many in sewing and quilt-making.

Barbara was a touchstone for many who came into her life through the years. She often provided sound practical advice, listened with an open mind and heart. She was able to laugh at herself and recount stories to those around her in a way that reassured them even during the tough times, all would be okay if one kept a sense of humor and a willingness to do. She was a role model to many, including valued friends and neighbors with whom she and Levi shared their lives. We adored her, and she, us. She will be missed.

Predeceased by her parents; her brother, Charles McArthur; and husband Levi.

Barbara is survived by her children Nancy Jo Ross, Elizabeth and husband, Roger A. Roy, Levi and wife, Jennifer Ross, Laura and husband, Adam Garcia, and Matthew Ross; grandchildren Danielle Cameron and husband Chris, Patrick, and Ian Roy, Abraham, Isaiah, and Adelaide Ross, Natalie and Katharine Garcia; great-grandchildren Raelynn Roy; Sophia Cameron; and many nieces, nephews.

A memorial gathering is planned on Jan. 30, 2022 at the Family Reception Center of Brookings – Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com

Those who wish to contribute in Barbara’s memory may make donations to Marissa Pinkham Scholarship Fund for Glenburn students for continuing education.

Please send donations to

Glenburn Lakeside Riders Marissa Pinkham

Scholarship,

322 Broadway,

Glenburn, ME 04401



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