Obituary of Sarah Howle Ross

Sarah Howle Ross, 75, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 29, 2023 after a lengthy battle with dementia. She was born on December 13, 1947 in Bennettsville, South Carolina to James Fred Howle, and Suedella Morrison Howle.  

Sarah was a loving wife, mother and “Nana” and is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ronald David Ross, her daughters, Lisa Ross Sfarzo (Stephen) and Kathryn Ross, and her granddaughters, Shannon Renee Ellenbogen and Claire Olivia Billings.  

Sarah graduated from Columbia High School in 1966, and after a blind date on Halloween in 1966, met the love of her life, Ronnie. They married on February 11, 1967 in Columbia, South Carolina and began their lives together. They welcomed their daughter, Lisa, in 1968, and Kathryn in 1971. Sarah went to cosmetology school and became an accomplished hairdresser and continued to work not only in salons but “doing hair” for family for many years, even after leaving salons for the business world.  

In 1980, Sarah along with her family, relocated to Orlando Florida, and so began a new chapter in her life. She entered the business world and was a tremendous success at everything she did, working in Sales and Administration in the Hospitality and Theme Park industry, and then after relocating to South Florida in 1986, she concentrated her career in the medical staffing field, becoming the Vice President for Business Development and Operations for one of the largest medical staffing companies in the country.  

Sarah lived for family and her family was everything to her. She loved spending time with both of her daughters, with Saturday shopping dates, nail appointments, and pool and beach days among her favorite things to enjoy. Another favorite hobby was the years she joined her husband as a season ticket holder for the Miami Hurricanes football team and planning wonderful tailgate parties and gatherings with family and tailgating crew. Away games and at home game watch parties were something she enjoyed planning and hosting.  

Sarah was extremely talented creatively and had a knack for making everything around her more beautiful and stylish. She loved to decorate her homes, and create magical holidays for her family. She loved making wreaths and beautiful flower arrangements.  

Sarah was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in February of 2018 after many years of struggling with numerous health issues. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association - act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1oDSaL9QEDgECLSs0_pyX4Q2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrMKmBhCJARIsAHuEAPQ21wvQk84hIvJO2Dg78H916YP6DVM6EvgeiiXWUg2R5ZZExKxLfb0aAjQWEALw_wcB

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.