Arena Strong Ross was born July 30, 1922, in Swan Lake, MS, to the union of Luther Strong and Beldora Collins Strong.  She was one of 7 children; all have preceded her in death.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin to many.

Arena had a total of 8 children.  Beldora Smith, John Henry Miller, Albert Stanley Miller and her infant daughter, Dorothy, preceded her in death.  Four of her children were from her union to Eugene Ross who passed away on October 26, 2002.

A homemaker for most of her life, Arena not only cared, nurtured, chauffeured, encouraged, and loved her family, but she provided loving care to her sisters and brother who have gone before her.  Through her quiet leadership, she set a loving example for her children to follow.

Affectionately called Rena and Irene, Arena never complained.  Instead, she showed love, kindness, patience, understanding, compassion, lifted spirits, counseled, and touched the lives of countless.

She loved St. Stephen Baptist Church and was an active member for more than 50 years.  She was a member of the Mother Board, The Lois Circle, The Women's Bible Class, The Women's Sunday School Class, The Mission Circle, and the Senior Services Ministry.  She showed many the way to Christ.

Arena loved to watch daytime soap operas and sports.  She loved baseball, basketball, and football, and she knew more about the games than most.  You could catch her watching baseball in the middle of the afternoon.

Just like her mother, Arena attended everyone's funeral.  When asked why, she replied, "Someone has to do it."

She leaves to celebrate her homecoming: daughters, Cynthia Smith, Gayle (Paul) Cowley, and Gina Ross; son, Ronnie (Deitra) Ross; sister-in-law, Carrie Strong all of Kansas City; grandchildren, Vickie Smith, Terry Smith, Reggie Miller, Nicolas Miller, Scott Miller, David Okolo, Keith Parker, Kia (Zack) King, Arina Ross, and RJ Ross along with a host of great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other extended family members and friends.

Services for Mrs. Ross will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2020, at St. Stephens Baptist Church.  Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .