Eva Mae Ross

is honored with a Brick from Jeani R. Cranford

Eva Mae (Powell) Ross is more than just my Grandmother. She is one of my best friends. Each and every day, I am blessed with her knowledge, thoughts, and philosophies. I have so many great memories from childhood. And I continue to retain more as time goes on.

When I was young, my Grandma made many of the blouses and pants she, my Mom, and my Aunts wore. From the left over material came halter tops, shirts, pants and shorts for the grandchildren. When I was a toddler, I remember peering out the window from our house, searching my Grandparent's yard next door waiting for Grandma to come out and "play" in her garden. When I spotted her, I would run to find my halter-top and shorts that matched what she wore so I could go help "fix" the beans.
I remember sitting with Grandma on her sewing bench during the winter learning to sing Jingle Bells. I remember Sunday dinners with roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn or green beans. Usually, the vegetables were those picked from her garden. I remember how Santa always visited my house and some how knew I would be at Grandma's house, too.

As I grew older, we traveled to her home state Ilinois. We'd visit her Mother and siblings. We'd tour cemeteries and learn about our ancestors. Their joys and struggles would unfold before our eyes as our Grandma and Great-Grandma told their tales. I've seen the building, now a house, which used to be Grandma's school I've traveled with her to greet family at the Powell family reunion in Bloomington, IL more than a handful of time. Each journey brought lessons of family and love.

Education is very important to Grandma. She continues to learn each and every day. She is a fierce reader - sometimes reading several books each week. Her favorite books to read are fiction dealing with history.
Her all-time love, however, aside from her family, is quilting. Anyone who knows Eve Ross recognizes her masterful quilting. She's received top awards numerous times at both the Sedgwick County and the Kansas State fairs. In 1997, she won Best of Show as amateur with her unforgettable magnolia quilt. In 1998, she won Best of Show and Best of Show Runner Up as professional with her Cardinal in the Pines and Ivory Basket - her first appliqued quilt. October 14, 2000, I honored her with her own quilt show.We shared her quilts with a few hundred people who were delighted to see such beautiful works of art. Grandma has said I coundn't have given her anything as great as the show.

Grandma loves life and keeps it rich. She has taught me never to waste a single day. She has taught meto make sure to be thankful and use the blessings and gifts I receive to help others. She has taught me to always give more than I receive.
What better way to celebrate her 72nd birthday this August 12, 2002, than with a brick in the WSU Plaza of Heroines honoring one of my favorite heroines?


Jeani R. Cranford