ELLA LEE (CARLSEN) ROSS
died peacefully November 9, 2021, in Little Rock, Ark., with her family present in person and virtually, singing her into heaven.
Ella Lee was born September 24, 1929, in Jordan Valley, Ore., on the Skinner family ranch to Clifford Norman Carlsen Sr. and Ella Marjorie (Skinner) Carlsen. She had three siblings, Clifford Jr., Marjorie, and Joanne.
The family lived in small towns in Oregon and Washington, where their father was a teacher and superintendent. She spoke often about visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family was the foundation of her life.
Ella Lee graduated from Grant High School in Portland, Ore., in 1947, and followed sister Marjorie to Oregon State University, where both were proud members of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Ella Lee maintained close friendships with many from her high school and college days.
She met her husband Web (George Webster Ross Jr.) while at the sorority. It is said he paidoff one of his fraternity brothers to serve the dinner shift at Alpha Chi because a certain young woman had caught his eye and he was hoping for a way to get to know her. His plan led to a 63 1/2-year marriage full of dancing, singing, world travel, many moves and wonderful friendships throughout the world.
Web’s employment took them from Oregon to Everett, Wash., Crossett, Ark., Malvern, Ark., back to Lake Oswego, Ore., then finally to Little Rock, Ark. Ella Lee made sure she settled the family in a warm, inviting and loving home and because many of those moves led them far from family, she built relationships that felt like family.
She was the consummate hostess. She and Web loved to entertain and many of those nights ended with a songfest or a swing around the living room. Watching those two dance together was magical. She was known for her generosity, grace, wonderful cooking and entertaining, beautiful voice, and talent on the dance floor. And oh yes, her beauty and style. Her close friend wrote of her, “Ella Lee was the most beautiful lady inside and out. Not only was this beauty so visible, but she handled it with pure innocence and humility.”
While raising their three children in Crossett, Ella Lee was active in the Junior Auxiliary, community charitable endeavors, and the Presbyterian Church. She was a PEO sister for her entire adult life.
Ella Lee was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease while in her mid70s that progressed slowly until her death. In the midst of this she maintained her graceful spirit and charm, and she found comfort in her prayers. She continued to sing her favorite songs through the final stages of her illness, bringing joy to her family and caregivers.
The family is eternally grateful to the staff at her three residential long-term care facilities and hospice for their excellent care; and for the love and care she received from her extended family and friends.
Ella Lee is predeceased by her loving husband; her parents; and siblings. She is survived by her children, Web III (Betty), Tom (Francie), and Mary Ella Young (Wayne); eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Plans for a celebration of Ella Lee’s life are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one’s favorite Alzheimer’s charity. Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Ella Lee’s guestbook may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com.