Violet Bica Ross

Violet Bica Ross died peacefully on March 24, 2025, at the Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson, Ohio, less than six weeks before her 102nd birthday. She was previously a long-time resident of Aurora, Ohio, and before that shared a waterfront home in Madison, Ohio, with her beloved late husband, L. Clayton Ross. She was also predeceased by her parents, Ellie and Anna Bica (nee Murescin), her sister, Virginia Bica, and her brother, George Bica. Mrs. Ross left no surviving blood relatives, but is survived by many relatives of her late husband and by a multitude of friends and countless individuals who benefited from her generosity.
Known to her many friends as Vi, Mrs. Ross’s long life was filled with accomplishments. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Union College, and her Master of Arts in Psychology degree from Kent State University. She had additional graduate studies at Ohio University and The Ohio State University. In the summer of 1961 she taught in a seminar at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. She was a teacher at South Liberty School in Alliance, and a school psychologist (among the first in Ohio) with the Maple Heights Board of Education, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools, and Shaker Heights Board of Education. Vi was active in many national, state, and local professional organizations, including: Charter member of National Association School Psychologists; Secretary of the Ohio School Psychologists Association (1958-1960); Chairman of Cleveland Area School Psychologists; President of Ohio Guidance Council (1961-1962). She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary, Kappa Delta Pi Honorary, Kappa Delta Sorority, and former member of Eastern Star 267 in Alliance. She was listed in “Who's Who of American Women” (2006 & 2007). In Madison she attended Chapel United Methodist Church and was a member of Madison Country Club, Madison Historical Society, Madison MUW, Madison Book Study Club, Lake County Re-tired Teachers, and Shaker Heights Retired Teachers. She was a member of Aurora United Methodist Church, Walden Country Club, Aurora Study Club, Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Schools Foundation, and Aurora Friends of the Library.
But Vi’s greatest impact was as a philanthropist – a term she probably never used, but very much deserved. Carrying out a plan that she and her husband agreed upon early in their relationship, she gave generously to any number of Northeast Ohio and national causes, including University Hospitals, Kent State University, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, Aurora Schools, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Salvation Army.
Vi’s favorite causes were “the schools,” her shorthand for her husband’s alma mater, Washington & Jefferson College, and her truly beloved University of Mount Union. Both colleges have modern dormitories named Bica-Ross Hall, in recognition of Vi’s financial support and honoring her husband Clay and Vi’s brother George. By now, both schools have several generations of alumni who have lived in those buildings, received scholarships that Vi funded, or participated in the college athletics that Vi enthusiastically supported. She was not, importantly, a philanthropist who mailed in a check and then went away. She was hands on, insisted on getting to know “her kids,” and the kids got to know her in return. Their gratitude and affection was shown in an endless stream of wedding invitations, baby pictures, and sports memorabilia that the students sent to Vi and that she filled her home with.
Funeral service will be at 1pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Myers Sanctuary of the Dewald Chapel at the University of Mount Union, 1972 Clark Ave, Alliance, OH 44601. Calling hours will be from 11:30am until 1pm at the Myers Sanctuary. She will be laid to rest next to her parents, brother and sister at Fairmount Memorial Park in Alliance following her services. Donations suggested to the Violet B. and L. Clayton Ross Scholarship Funds at either the University of Mount Union or Washington & Jefferson College. Services entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, Chardon, Painesville & Fair-port Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com .