Harriet A. Ross started working at Gately’s Department Store in Roseland as a part-time clerk, but soon was promoted through the ranks and became a buyer for three women’s apparel departments in the now-closed store. “She loved her work and being around all the people and being busy and being a part of the excitement,” said her daughter Sandra Asher. “In those days a lot of women didn’t work, and that was a huge accomplishment for her to have done so well and to have enjoyed it so much.” Mrs. Ross, 87, of Lisle, formerly of Sun City, Calif., and Chicago, died of heart failure Sunday, Sept. 19, in Westbury Care Center, Lisle. Born in the Pullman area of Chicago, one of nine children, Mrs. Ross moved to Roseland and graduated from Fenger High School. In 1935, she married Max Asher, a friend of one of her brothers, and they had three children. In 1949, she took a job at Gately’s while the family lived in Roseland. They later lived in Ivanhoe and Lansing. Mrs. Ross soon was promoted to buyer for the women’s lingerie, undergarments and maternity wear departments. “It was a wonderful time in the late `40s, `50s and `60s. It was the place to go,” her daughter said. In 1974 Mrs. Ross’ husband died, and four years later she married Charles Ross, whom she met while visiting a friend in California. She moved to California: first to Pasadena and then to Sun City, where she was president of the Knit Club and swam daily. Her husband died a few years ago, and she moved to Lisle to be near her daughter two years ago. Her son, Gerald, died in January 2000. Other survivors include a daughter, Gayle Powers; a sister, Marilyn “Marla” Johnson; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday in Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will be held at noon in the funeral home.
