Barbara Ann Gross

Barbara Ann Gross (nee Burke), age 90, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025 .

Born on July 26, 1934 in Elyria, Ohio, Barbara had been a resident of Vermilion for the past 33 years, previously living in Lorain.

On June 6, 1953, Barbara married Edward “Jim” Gross in Elyria, Ohio. Married for over 71 years, they shared 74 wonderful years together.

Barbara was a woman devoted to her family. She had attended Grace United Methodist Church in Vermilion and Christ United Methodist Church in Lorain. Her greatest joy came from raising her children and spending time with her loved ones. She also cherished boating, summer trips to Pelee Island, and leisurely drives through Amish country - especially when she could stop to admire the horses. Her love for animals was one of her defining qualities.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Edward “Jim” Gross of Vermilion; her sons, Daniel (Janet) Gross of Amherst, Guy Gross of Wakeman, Gary (Lori) Gross of Vermilion and William “Bill” (Denise) Gross of Vermilion; daughters, Debra Levit of Vermilion, Martha (Jim) Taylor of Amherst, Beverly Minnich (Jim Zvosecz) of Amherst and Pamela Pierce of Vermilion.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Dan Jr. (Azur), Bobby (Hadley), Holly (Jeff), Doug (Sara), Matt, Erica (Brendan), Joe (Erika), Kelly, Jenni (Ryan), Kyle (Wesley), Randi (Lee), Jimmy (Jessica), Ashley (Jay), Nicole (Tom), Meghan, Kristy and Stephen (Blaine) and her great-grandchildren: Ben, Reid, Garrett, Sophia, Simmons, Aiden, Meriah, Brooke, Lucas, Willow, Pierce, Remy, Skyler, Naomi, Jacob, Aubri, Jude, Lake, Maddison, Thomas, Nicholas, Nolan and Adalynn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stevenson and Marian (nee Copas) Burke; her sister, Beverly Leister, her son-in-law, Neil Levit, and her granddaughter, Jill Gross.

Private services will be held, with interment at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst.

In honor of Barbara’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Lorain County Dog Kennel at friendsoflcdk.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.