Nelda Ross

Nelda Nichols Ross, 92, died on February 19, 2023, at her home in Missouri City, Texas, surrounded by her family. She was born January 23, 1931 in El Dorado, Arkansas, the daughter of Earl Vernon Nichols and Bertha Aline Burns.

Nelda graduated from Istrouma High School in 1947, where she was a member of the pep squad and choir. Following graduation, she attended classes at business school and worked at American Bank & Trust. On February 19, 1949, she married George Harvey Ross. They celebrated 71 years together nine days before he died in 2020.

Nelda was a devoted mother of three children and an active servant in her community. She volunteered as PTA president for her children’s school, was a Brownie Den Mother, raised funds for the Gonzales High School Band, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for First Baptist Church in Gonzales. Nelda worked for Bourque Real Estate and Dixie Builders for 25 years, where she obtained her real estate agent and broker’s licenses. She spent the remainder of her career as an independent broker in the Baton Rouge area.

Nelda spent her years after retirement caring for her great grandchildren and traveling with family. In 2010, along with her husband and daughters, she moved to Texas where she spent the remainder of her life.

Nelda leaves a legacy of love and dedication to family. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Nelda was predeceased by her son, Wade Luke; brothers, Donald Earl Nichols; Walter Roland Nichols; and sister-in-law, Emma Lou Nichols. Surviving are her daughters, Nadine Ross Kittrell and Melissa Ross; grandchildren, Kristin Kittrell Tassin and her husband, Shannon; David Scott Kittrell, Jr. and his wife Christy; and Kathryn “Katy” Ross; five great-grandchildren Abigail, Sarah, Hannah, Kylie and Tyler; sister-in-law, Kathy Long Ross; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Thursday, February 23, 2023, 5:00-8:00 p.m., and Friday, February 24, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. A celebration of life and service of remembrance will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.