Ann Kent Ross' Obituary
Ann Kent Ross, 85, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, in Tampa. Kent is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles (Charlie), her children, Charles III (Chuck) and his wife Angie, Linda, Robert, and Susan (Suzy) and her husband Bill, her three grandchildren, Emily and her husband Hunter, Charles IV (Chaise), and Juliana Kent, and her twin sister, Kay, and nieces and nephew.
Kent is preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Mary Fernandez.
Kent was born in Tampa on February 14, 1940, alongside her twin sister Kay, to Manuel and Mary Fernandez. She grew up in South Tampa, attending Bayshore Baptist Church and Plant High School, achieving membership into the “I Dare You” honor society.
Following high school, Kent attended Tampa Business College, where she learned the skills which led her to become the office manager for Rodney D. Steinmetz’s Ophthalmic practice.
While in college, Kent met Charles Ross, Jr. (Charlie), who took her on dates to The Colonnade and always made sure to get her home on time, where they would see the silhouette of Kent’s father in the window waiting for her return. Kent and Charlie married on April 29th, 1961, at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa and spent the next 63 years at each other’s side.
Charlie’s job took Kent away from Tampa to short stints in Raleigh, North Carolina with their boxer Nico and later to Tallahassee, where their oldest son, Chuck, was born. After they had enough of the cold weather, Kent and Charlie returned to Tampa, where they settled in Original Carrollwood. Linda, Robert, and Suzy were born over the following five years. Thus began her years of wearing many hats as home room, den, and Little League mom, chauffeur to the kids’ many activities, seamstress of clothes (as taught by her mother), boat driver, referee, and teacher of faith. After all her children were attending school all day, she returned to work for Dr. Steinmetz.
Kent enjoyed spending time with Charlie and the family at their cabin in Cashiers, North Carolina, shopping Tampa malls, talking on the phone while preparing dinner, sending greeting cards, baking, visiting friends, attending Bible study and small group, and taking care of her grandchildren, Emily, Chaise, and Juliana. She cheered them on in their sports, music, and academic accomplishments, rewarding them with her famous cookie bars.
She was a member of Bay Hope Church where she served as a greeter for many years. Her faith in God, instilled since she was a child, saw her through many physical tribulations with her spine. Kent was strong-willed and determined during her surgical recoveries in order to get back to the things she loved. She passed this faith on to Charlie and her children and shared it with the many bible study friends throughout the years.
A celebration of Kent’s life followed by a reception will be held March 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558. Kent will be laid to rest at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity during a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to At Risk Kids Ministries at Bay Hope Church.
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