Brenda Mangum Ross

November 11, 1949 - February 22, 2021

Brenda Mangum Ross November 15, 1949-Febrauary 22, 2021 Brenda was born on November 15, 1949 in Casa Grande, Arizona to Eugene and Marzelle Mangum. She has a sister, Janice, and brother, Kenneth. Brenda enjoyed the small town environment of Casa Grande, taking walks and making friends. She developed a love of music and learning. Brenda’s family moved to Phoenix in 1960. She graduated from Maryvale High School with honors and spent a year at Glendale Community College. In 1968, Brenda attended Brigham Young University which she met her husband, Rodney “Rocky” Ross. Brenda graduated, again with honors, from BYU in 1971 with month-old baby, Jennifer, in her arms. In the fall of 1971, Brenda, Rocky, and Jennifer moved to Phoenix where Rocky had a job teaching. In the next several years, a daughter, Karen, and a son, Rodney, were added to the family. Brenda relished her role as mother and, her children will attest, she was one of the finest mothers ever. The next years were busy with raising children, cooking, and serving others. Brenda was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served as a teacher, Primary President, Relief Society President three times, and in a Young Women’s Presidency several times. Brenda was warm, kind, thoughtful, and loved everyone she met. Everyone she met loved her as she always wanted to help others have a better day. With her family, she enjoyed travel, movies, hiking, and classical music. She played the piano, saxophone, and bassoon. Brenda and Rocky travelled to all but eight of the United States and enjoyed time in Mexico, Canada, Russia and Italy. Professionally, Brenda taught piano for many years. Later, she decided she wanted to put her college degree to work and taught second grade at Redbird Elementary School in Mesa for 12 years. Later, she taught English as a Second Language to immigrants. Brenda was highly organized, paying attention to every detail. She loved Post-It-Notes of all kinds and varieties. It was said she kept the 3M Company in business all by herself. Brenda not only loved her children, but had a deep and abiding love for Brian Dille and Stephanie Skousen Ross who joined the family. Brenda has nine grandchildren, each having become accomplished individuals. Brenda loved to spend time with many dear friends. In 2010, Brenda had spinal surgery. An accident in surgery that caused paraplegia and great pain every remaining day of her life. Through this pain, Brenda remained outgoing and delightful. He courage and determination we an example to others. As she took wheelchair rides through her neighborhood, Brenda would visit with neighbors and those she had never met. She was frustrated in later years that she couldn’t be of service to others. Brenda was as wonderful as a person can be and will make heaven a better place by her presence. Brenda Ross was 71 years old. Services will be held virtually on Friday night, February 25, 2021 at 6 pm. The Zoom link is: https://arubanetworks.zoom.us/j/96727073912?pwd=SDhLNkIwNTZtUjE3eHRnZUdKZUJnQT09 A graveside service will be held at the Binghampton Cemetary on the north side of Tucson at 1 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2021 The address is: Binghampton Cemetery Location 4001 N Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85718 The family requests no flowers, but instead send donations to Hospice at Home of Arizona (https://hospicehomeaz.com).