Patty Lynn Ross

Patty Lynn Ross, 76, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Patty was born on March 7, 1948, in La Porte, Indiana, to Raymond and Ruth (Nickerson) Stombaugh.

Surviving are her 2 children, Ryan Manzuk, of Dowagiac, Michigan and Todd Griffin of Tampa, Florida; and 1 brother, Douglas (Janine) Stombaugh, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patty was a retired chef, who last worked at the Four Winds Casino restaurant. Prior to that she was the head chef at the Beachwood Restaurant in New Buffalo and Rojoes in Rolling Prairie.

She lived in California from the second grade to graduation in 1966 from Pacific High School, which at the time had the highest enrollment in the state. As a young girl she was fortunate enough to sit onstage during the Rolling Stone's second performance in the U.S. due to babysitting two disc jockeys' kids whose radio station was sponsoring the event.

Patty joined her brother and friends in a baseball game one sunny day. Because she was a girl she had been chosen last to be on a team. When she came to the plate the other team chattered extra loudly trying to rattle her. With the first pitch she smashed the ball far over the heads of the outfielders for a home run. From then on she was never chosen last and earned the respect of all the other players including her brother who was especially proud of her.

When her sons were young, Patty was always very active with her sons' sports. She also enjoyed following most pro and college teams.

Patty will be fondly remembered for loving life and for loving the living, adopting and caring for both people and animals throughout her life. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte. A private family service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Ryan Manzuk, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.