Mary Lillian Ross was born in Savannah, Missouri, on April 1, 1953, the daughter of Susie Bea and George Kent Sr. She grew up in a loving household as the third oldest of eleven children. Although her formal schooling was limited, that did not stop her from building a strong work ethic. Over the years, she worked in a variety of fields, including field labor, healthcare, and factory work.
Along the way, she found love and married Theoda Ross Jr. Together, they welcomed their only child, Sherry Ann Dent. After spending many years raising their family and helping with their grandchildren, Mary and Theoda eventually divorced but remained close friends.
Mary continued working, serving as an usher at her church and raising her oldest grandchild. Love found her again when she met Emery Tibsy Sr. at the factory where they both worked. They began dating, eventually moved in together, and Mary helped him raise his son, Emery Tibsy Jr. Mary and Emery shared 20 years filled with laughter and dancing until his passing in 2024, just days after the death of Theoda Ross Jr.
After losing so many loved ones, including her mother and brother, Mary remained a strong and steady anchor for her family. She faithfully made daily phone calls to her sister, granddaughter, and best friend. She was always present for those she loved, leading and guiding them with unconditional love and understanding. Mary L. Ross was called home to glory on February 7, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Kent Sr. and Susie Bea Kent; her siblings, Mary Jean Rodgers, Eilleen Kent, Georgia Bea Anderson, and George Kent Jr.; her close friend, Theoda Ross Jr.; and her life partner, Emery Tibsy Sr.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Sherry Ann Dent (Orville) of Centralia; her stepson, Emery Tibsy Jr. of Cairo; her grandchildren, Delesheia Hill (DeDe) of Salem, Kendra Lynn Hill of Salem, and Kandice Vaughn (Timothy) of Decatur; two great-granddaughters, Taylor Vaughn and Tierra Vaughn; her siblings, Barbara Reed of Chicago, Juliet Kent Hemphill of Omaha, Nebraska, Carolyn F. Kent of Charleston, Missouri, Sandie Reed (Demegee) of Sikeston, Missouri, Rick Kent (Sarah) of Charleston, Missouri, and Stephenson Kent (Jennie) of Sikeston, Missouri; along with a host of nieces and nephews and her best friend, Margaret Johnson.
At this time, there will be no services. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.CrouseFH.com.
