Frances Rose Ross

Frances Rose Falcone Ross, revered as a pillar of strength, and an amazing woman who would go above and beyond for those she loved, passed away on January 13, 2026. A life-long West Banker, born on March 25, 1941, Frances was known for her "tell it like it is" authenticity, her spunky nature, and her zest for life, laughter and adventure.

Frances will be lovingly remembered by her beloved children, Rena Ross White (Doug) and Lenny Frank Joseph Ross (Lauren), and Nana to Lilly, Mason, Francesca, Margaret and Sam, and by her "little brother" Joseph Falcone (Jeanine) and their daughter Angela, step-daughter Donna Kramer (Gary) and their sons, Chad, Douglas and Lance, and so many wonderful friends and extended family. She is joined in rest by her mother, Rena, her father, Frank, and her husband, Lenny, along with many other loved ones throughout her life. When you were loved by Frances, you knew it. She worried about you, brought you a pot of her heart-warming chicken soup when you were sick, belly-laughed until happy tears were shed, and stood by you through all the hard times. She had your back, and she often put her own needs on the back-burner to care for those she adored.

Frances was proud of her Sicilian heritage, and loved lunching with her Italian cousins Catherine, Patti and Mickie. From Red Hat’s to Golden Ages, Frances got a kick out of her social clubs, and remained extremely active before her cancer diagnosis. She was an avid line dancer who could teach you all the groovy steps, and performed with her friends at their club functions and dances. She loved taking cruises out of New Orleans, and has been on over 20 Caribbean cruises in her lifetime. But, her favorite getaway by far was enjoying the easy breezy lifestyle along the Mississippi gulf coast with family and friends. Floating along in a bright yellow inner tube in the lazy river at the Hollywood Casino was the bees knees for Frances. She also loved sailing with her family and friends on Lake Pontchartrain, the Virgin Islands, Miami and the Keys.

Frances had a green thumb, and working in her colorful garden and sharing plants with friends and loved ones brought her such satisfaction. She was so happy to see her prized japonica tree full of blooms, and ensured us that it will be overflowing with sweet fruit by spring.

Frances worked hard, and after leaving the 9 to 5 at McDermott to raise her children, she decided to run a successful childcare business out of her home for many years. She took care of so many amazing kids, and being a part of their early childhood development was so rewarding for Frances. She retired for a bit, but then came out of retirement in her mid 60s to open a gym with her daughter Rena, and they had a blast serving the community of Gretna.

Frances enjoyed weekly game nights with her Dominoes Divas and also embraced her creativity by taking painting, pottery and beading classes during her lifetime. Frances was a force to all who knew and loved her. Just ask her lifelong friend since their toddler years, Linda Lee, her honorary sister! Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.

Her funeral services will be held at Mothe Funeral Home at 2100 Westbank Expressway in Harvey on Monday, January 26th with visitation at noon and mass at 1:30pm. Interment to immediately follow at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Ave, Gretna, LA. 

The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.