Betty J. Ross, 92, of Farmington, NM, passed away on August 11, 2026. She was born on January 9, 1934 in Newcomb, NM to Kee Joe Yazzie and Lelia S. Yazzie.

Born to Tabaaha (Water’s Edge) and Born for To’aheedlinii (Water Flow Together)

Betty J. Ross attended Phoenix Indian School and completed a special five-year program of literacy and vocational training in the area of Home Service in May 1953. She used this training while she was employed at Newcomb Elementary School for close to 30 years as Food/Cook Manager. She retired in 2001 and then worked a couple years at Navajo Ministries preparing meals for the Children’s homes and staff. Betty was especially known for her delicious yeast rolls and cinnamon rolls.

Betty married Edison Gene Ross in 1960 in Tohatchi, NM. They lived in Two Grey Hills and Newcomb and had four children: Debbie Fowler (Emmet), Robin Waybenais (George), Rhonda Burbank (Dave), and Autry M. Ross (Marlisa). She especially enjoyed being a grandma to 16 grandchildren, some of whom she raised, and 25 great-grandchildren. She was a prayer warrior for her family. Until her last breath, her desire was to see her family love and serve God, as she did.

Betty enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting and rug weaving. She was especially known for her beautiful Two Grey Hill rugs. She also enjoyed completing word search puzzles, which she jokingly called her “homework”. She loved reading her Bible and singing Navajo hymns.

Betty dedicated her life to serving God in various areas in her home church, Newcomb Assembly of God. In 1960, Betty and her late husband, Edison G. Ross, worked alongside Gene and Betty Steele, who were serving as missionaries for the Assemblies of God church in Newcomb. Together they built the church that now stands in Newcomb, NM. Betty poured her heart into ministry, early on as an interpreter, song leader, children’s teacher and later taught the adult Sunday School class in the Navajo language. She loved her church family and missed attending when she became homebound. Her church family dearly loved their “Grandma Betty,” and would stop in to visit and pray with her. The family is so grateful for their love and kindness extended to her in her final days.

The family of Betty would also like to extend their appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the following:

Her nurse, Helen W. and the staff of Guardian Angel Hospice Care. They were amazing in walking with us every step of the way in her final days.

Dr. Mohs and Sue Perrons of Northern Navajo Medical Center, went above and beyond to also care for Betty and guide the family through this difficult time.

Ricelands Home Health also tended to Betty’s care early on and did a great job caring for her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Edison Gene Ross, daughter Robin Ruth Waybenais, parents Kee Joe and Lelia S. Yazzie, brothers Wilbert W. Yazzie and Thomas J. Yazzie, and sister Loretta M. Tsosie.

Betty is survived by her son Autry M. Ross, daughters Debbie Fowler (Emmet) and Rhonda Burbank (Dave), brothers Harold W. Yazzie and Kenneth J. Yazzie, 16 Grandchildren: Candace J. Krestel, E. Kurt Fowler, Kevin J. Fowler, Christian R. Fowler, Audrey Ross, Anastasia Waybenais, Gabriel Johnson, Cheyenne Johnson, Sheridan Ross, Warren Plummer, Naomi Burbank, Nicole Burbank, Dacia Burbank, Adrian Burbank, Austin Ross, and Charley Ross, and 25 Great-Grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Oasis Church (1601 N. Dustin Ave. Farmington, NM). Burial will follow at 11:15 at Greenlawn Cemetery. A reception will be held back at the church after graveside.

Pallbearers are E. Kurt Fowler, Kevin J. Fowler, Gabriel Johnson, Austin Ross, Dian Brow, and Aden Brow.