Joann Jean Gross

Joann Jean Gross, age 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at Promedica Hospital, Toledo, Ohio on July 16, 2016 after a brief illness.  Joann was born on March 24, 1935 in Lindsey, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Brown and Elizabeth Lechman Brown.  The family moved to Genoa, Ohio where Joann graduated from Clay-Genoa High School, met and married Kenneth J. Gross, her beloved husband of 62 years.  They raised a family, moved to Covington, Kentucky in 1971 to devote their lives to the Covington Catholic High School family of Colonels.  Joann worked as employee benefits manager at Cindus Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio.  During retirement Ken and Joann resided in Naples, Florida, returning to Erlanger, Kentucky for holidays and summers at the lake in Osseo, Michigan.  Joann is preceded in death by parents Jacob and Elizabeth Brown; brother, David Brown; daughter, Ann Louise Gross; and three infant children, Thomas, Kenneth Jr. and Catherine.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Gross; sisters, Patricia Wittman and Beth Sommers; brother, Jack Brown; sister-in-law, Sue Gross; children, Mary Jo (Bruce) Stroup, Michael (Joelle) Gross, John (Kathy Steinhaus) Gross, Elizabeth (Ken) Shumate, Susan (Ron) Harstad, Christopher (Deborah) Gross and Patricia (Kevin) Gribben; 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  Joann’s life was filled with family and many cherished friends.  Her quiet presence and kindness to others will be remembered fondly by all.  The family would like to thank the staff of Promedica Toledo Hospital, and the many friends who have provided support and prayer during this time.  Visitation will be at St. Pius X Church, 340 Dudley Road, Edgewood, Kentucky on Saturday, July 23rd beginning at 10:00 AM followed by noon Mass and a reception in St. Pius X Milligan Hall to celebrate Joann’s life.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.