Dr. Vicki Ann Ross - Cremation Society of Virginia

Dr. Vicki Ann Ross

September 1, 1954 - July 6, 2024

Surrounded by her family, Dr. Vicki Ross passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 at age 69.

Unsurprisingly, she wrote her own obituary:

For those of you who know me as a Virgo of Scandinavian-German heritage, it is no surprise that even as I approach death, I strive to be prepared and in control. When I learned that a brain cancer located near my speech center would end my life, I took the opportunity to write a few words while I was still able.

I have led a charmed life. Born to Ladonna and Gerald Wiederholt, and sister to Douglas, we moved from North Dakota to California and ultimately to Connecticut, where I was educated and met my loving husband, Mark Ross, in college. While we were in dental and medical school there, our two amazing children, Jason and Lauren were born. A three-year sojourn to Texas for additional specialty training was our last stop before we ultimately made Virginia our home in 1987.

I have a large, beautiful extended family and many friends both near and far. Hundreds of acquaintances from my career as an orthodontist have made my life rich and complete. I cherish them all. To the many of you who have helped me along the way, I cannot thank you enough. And to those who I have aggrieved, I apologize.

I am a Humanist. This system of thought attaches prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. As a humanist, I sought the potential value and goodness of every life, emphasizing human needs, and seeking rational ways of solving problems. Eschewing deism gave me the opportunity to include, love and value the worth of all people.

Three of my favorite quotes are “Terrorism is the war of the poor. War is the terrorism of the rich” by Peter Ustinov and “If we make peaceful revolution impossible, we make violent revolution inevitable” by John F. Kennedy. The third is from the iconic “My Generation” by The Who… “I hope I die before I get old.”

My wish is that my ashes settle at the confluence of the James and Warwick Rivers, and Deep and Fishers Creeks, where perhaps my remains will nourish the oyster beds, starting a new circle of life. A private memorial will take place one sunset during an outgoing tide. Kind words to my family and each other is all that I desire.

Cremation Society of Virginia

Sheryl Kasak

Henry Zimet

Terry Grinnalds

Michelle Coffey

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Surrounded by her family, Dr. Vicki Ross passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 at age 69. Unsurprisingly, she wrote her own obituary: For those of you who know me as a Virgo of Scandinavian-German heritage, it is no surprise that even as I approach death, I strive to be prepared and in control. When…

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I was lucky enough to have spent some time with Vicki over the many years of friendship with her incredible daughter, Lauren. I was immediately touched by her generosity, profound care, and kindness. I hope to be able to see the world as she did and provide comfort and care as she did with all those lucky enough to be near her. Her family is a direct reflection of those values that she no doubt instilled. I am sending immense love and strength to the Ross family. We hold you all in our hearts and grieve alongside you. I love you Lauren.

She seemed to be a very special lady who was the epitome of the Humanist belief. One who was good without god. Condolences to the family. I wish I had known her.

Mark and family, so sad to hear about Vicki! I don’t have to tell you what a wonderful, caring, and special person she was. May you keep special memories close to your heart during this time. Jenny Sharp Sarasota, Florida

Wow, this is really hard. I’ve known Vicki for over half of my life, which is saying something. I can’t think of anyone who I respected more, as a professional, as a friend and as a person. She had a tremendous family who were very close and I know that they were instrumental in helping her these past years when things got hard. In addition to assisting her and her family with their taxes as their CPA, she was also our orthodontist who along with her partner Judy and the great staff at Peninsula Orthodontics took care of my family for many years. Vicki will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mark, Lauren and Jason. To her family and friends, I know that Vicki will be with you in your hearts and thoughts, as she will be with so many others who knew her.

Dr. Ross. I am so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. God bless your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sincerest sympathy to Dr Ross’s family and friends. We were fortunate to have known her as she was our youngest daughter’s orthodontist. She now has a lovely smile and fond memories of that practice. What an uplifting, brave obituary.

So very sorry to see Dr. Ross's obituary this morning. She and Dr. Lynch handled the orthodontic treatments for our sons. It was always a pleasure to visit their sunny, cheerful office. Condolences to all family and friends of this lovely woman.

Dear Dr Ross and family, I am so so saddened to hear this tragic news. I remember Vicki as a lovely , friendly, warm human and a caring orthodontist . She cared for my 3 children and even agreed to straighten my teeth with braces age 50! Please know that she was admired and loved by many and she will be missed

In memory of Dr. Vicki Ann Ross, Sheryl Kasak lit a candle

I knew Vicki during her stay in California. We were teenagers together, rambunctious, spirited and academic. Vicki lead the pack, always one step in front of us, a leader, a voyager. We followed her knowing adventure awaits, that self discovery was inevitable and always, that our friendship front and center. I especially remember several long night talks on the lawn of Camino Venturoso, where we posed and solved many of life’s mysteries. Her words are still fresh, “Don’t be someone you’re not! Ever!” Always in my heart Vicki, see you on the other side! I have no doubts. With Love and Grace, David

In memory of Dr. Vicki Ann Ross, Henry Zimet lit a candle

I’m still at a loss of words I still can’t believe she is really gone. I started working for Vicki in 2009 barely 21 she took me under her wings and became like a mother to me! Loosing my parents early in life I looked up to her, loved and cherished her friendship very much. She took me to places in the world I would have never seen without knowing her, she got me into running in which I ran my first marathon with her. Vicki was kind to everyone she knew everyone to her was given a chance. She loved and preformed her job with love and joy knowing she was helping others and making their life better. The world was better with her in it because she gave everyone a chance. I love you and miss you dearly thanks for the best told model and second mom to me!

I read your obituary. I wish I had known you. When my time comes, I hope I face it with grace such as yours.

I was lucky enough to grow up with this gracious and lovely person as my neighbor. Vicki’s daughter, Lauren, is an extension of Vicki’s kindness. In high school, Lauren spared me having to take the bus, and drove several of us to school. As a sophomore I remember being relived that a senior was giving me that grace! My mother and Vicki were in the Hunter’s Glenn Investment Club together, and through that too I know, Vicki was an exceptionally wonderful person.

Vicki was one of the kindest, gentlest, sweetest and most giving souls I have met in my lifetime. She was definitely the best boss I have ever had and always treated me, as well as her entire staff, like family. As I think of all of the fun years I spent knowing her, I remember all of the sacrifices she made for not only her friends and staff, but for her beloved patients. She bent over backwards to help me and my boys when my husband was deployed for over a year, even more so than my friends or members of my own family. She was always the prime example of the person I wanted to be and I will never forget all she has ever done for me. A special memory comes to mind I would love to share… Each year the peninsula school would send in names of students in need of an orthodontic scholarship. Vicki would then go through the students submitted and choose one or two deserving applicants. One such year she asked us, her staff, to help because the narrowing process was difficult. We read the applications and came up with the same outcome. We could not choose either. She gathered up the forms and said, “it is settled! They will ALL receive the scholarship!” I had never witnessed such a more heartfelt gesture for so many deserving students in my life. And she did it! She gave all of the fourteen students orthodontic care. What was even sweeter was that I remember just how appreciative some of the students were! It was truly a time I will never forget! There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, their light remains…I will be forever be changed because you touched my life and you were my friend.

Dear Mark, Jason and Lauren, Though it has been many years ago, I have fond memories of Mark and Vicky at my house with the beginnings of my band! So much fun and music! I am holding you close in my thoughts and wishing you peace. Warmly, Kim

My deepest sympathy. I remember Dr. Ross (and Lynch) real well. As a dental hygienist, they treated lots of my patients.We also went to events together. She will always be remembered. Angel wings. Prayers to all

I did not know Dr. Ross, but am deeply moved by her self-written obituary. I wish I'd known her. Rest in peace.

I didn't know Vicki but am touched by her self-written obituary, love, career, children, thanks, apology, deism, quotes. I took little boat into the confluence of the James and Warwick Rivers in 2008 where my mother and I placed the ashes of my father. BTW I have been to her office space many times when it was occupied by a dentist in earlier years.

In memory of Dr. Vicki Ann Ross, Michelle Coffey lit a candle

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