LWES Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Beloved Teacher

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

The Lawrence County West Elementary School took a sudden hard emotional hit last week when they lost one of their own teachers, a friend and to most, a person who felt like a family member.

Lawrence County Superintendent Katie Webb made the following statement on behalf of the school district.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ms. Melissa Ross on March 26. Ms. Ross was a beloved preschool teacher at Louisa West who had been with our district since 2011. For over 15 years, she touched the lives of so many students with her kindness and her love for teaching. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this very difficult time,” stated Webb.”

“Melissa was exactly the kind of person you want in a classroom. She had a special way of making every student feel important. We are all deeply saddened by this loss, but we are so thankful for the time we had with her. She changed many lives (both children and adults) for the better, and our LC school family is better because she was part of our family. We ask that the community respect the privacy of the Ross family as they grieve. Counselors are available at the school for any students or staff members who need someone to talk to.”

Mrs. Webb also added “I am really at a loss for words.  She was a great teacher and a person who went too soon.”

Long-time friend and preschool teacher’s assistant Sarah Cordle worked in the classroom alongside Ross and had this to say about the kind of person Ross was and what she meant to everyone.

“What can I say about Melissa that hasn’t been said by so many people? She was one of the most amazing, caring people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. She accepted me when I was a brand new assistant and treated me with kindness from day one. She always made sure everyone was included and no one was ever left out. She poured so much of herself into her job and her students. It was truly amazing to watch her do her job with such passion every day. She was an absolutely amazing teacher who impacted so many children. I will forever be thankful to have been able to be a small part of her world. The last years that I’ve spent with her are ones that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

She had the biggest heart of anyone I knew. She cared so deeply for every living creature. When I tell you she wouldn’t even let me kill a stink bug. She believed every animal or insects life mattered. She was so artsy, so talented, so creative. I told her constantly she could do absolutely anything and I was so jealous of how talented she was. 

I’m still trying to process the reality of losing her so suddenly. She was my person. I spent almost as much time with her and my preschool team as much as my real family. The reality of walking back into our classroom and not seeing her there each morning is something I am not able to grasp just yet. I am heartbroken for her mother and daughter. For our little school and preschool team who just lost a vital part of our family. For the 19 precious babies who will return to school and wonder why Ms. Ross is not there. I pray God will give me the strength to stay strong for them and will help us navigate this together.”

Many parents of students past and present posted on social media what Ross meant to them and their children and how much she will be missed.

Ross was 50 years old and resided at Westwood. She passed away ay UK Medical Center in Lexington.

She was born on October 16, 1975, in Ashland to David R. and Pamela Stephens Ross.

She was preceded in death by her father, David R. Ross; her brother, Michael David Ross; her grandparents, James Stephens, Mary Stephens Walsh, and George Ross;

Melissa dedicated her life to education and her passions, like attending concerts and creating jewelry and T-shirts for family and friends, which inspired admiration and respect from all who knew her. She was a graduate of Paul G. Blazer and Ohio University. Above everything, she loved her family and was the best mom and daughter.

She leaves behind her daughter, Kaya Michael Ross, and her mother, Pamela Stephens Ross; her grandmother, Patricia Ross; her students, whom she loved; her tiny guys, Tucker and Herro Ross; her cat, Mr. Nelson; and a host of extended family and friends.

A celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, April 3, at Caniff Funeral Home in Ashland with Pastor Ed Cook officiating. Visitation will be from noon to service at the funeral Home. Those attending are asked to wear the shirt that Melissa made for you or your favorite tie-dyed shirt.