Winifred J. Ross, 96, of Chambersburg, PA, daughter of the late Charles A. and Ruth G. Fahnestock Ross. Born October 19, 1926 at her present residence, she graduated in 1944 from Chambersburg High School. She held a Teacher’s Certificate and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD.
She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she served as church organist for over fifty years and was director of several choirs during those years. She organized the first Handbell Choirs in the church. She was active with the United Methodist Women.
She served as Music Director for Totem Pole Playhouse near Chambersburg as well as with the Chambersburg Community Theater. She served as accompanist for the Chambersburg Community Chorus for many years and was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Chambersburg Community Concert Association. Miss Ross maintained a piano studio where she taught privately for over fifty years, retiring in June of 2006.
She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Martha Custis Chapter #342 Order of Eastern Star, a member of the Order of Amaranth Court #139, both in Chambersburg. Other memberships included the Chambersburg Chapter American Guild of Organists, the John Hopkins University Alumni Association, and the Chambersburg Hospital Auxiliary.
She is survived by a number of cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Miriam G. Ross.
The Order of Eastern Star will conduct services at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in St. Paul United Methodist Church, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, followed immediately by funeral services with the Rev. John Kratz officiating. Private family interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. At Miss Ross’s request, there will be no public viewing. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church Music Fund, 750 Norland Avenue, Meals on Wheels of Chambersburg, 43 West Washington Street, both in Chambersburg, PA 17201, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered at geiselfuneralhome.com