Brenda Kay Ross

Brenda Kay Laney Ross, of Arlington, Texas, was born on August 22, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Burl and Buris Laney. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.

Brenda attended Arlington High School, graduating early in 1959 as a member of the Class of 1960. She followed Martin to UT Austin, where they continued their relationship after beginning to date in the summer of 1957. Martin and Brenda were married in July 1961. Martin was called to active duty in the Army in October 1961, and they moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana, and then to Fort Rucker, Alabama, before returning to Arlington in 1963, where they lived until 1977.

In 1977, Martin and Brenda moved to Alpine, Texas, where Brenda completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Sul Ross State University. She then taught at Alpine High School for 15 years, retiring in 2002.

Martin and Brenda enjoyed the cool weather and majestic mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where they owned a second home for 31 years. Upon returning to Arlington in 2010, they enjoyed several international trips and spending time with longtime friends and family. Brenda was happiest being around her family, especially after returning to Arlington.

Brenda was a life member of the Arlington Museum of Art, a past president of the Arlington Civic League, a charter member of the Arlington Junior Women’s Club, a sponsor of the Alpine High School Anchor Club, and a member of the Alpine Pilot Club.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Martin Paul Ross; her children, Russ Ross and Deirdre “Dee Dee” Ross; her grandchildren, Hunter Betzel, Elissa Luttrell, Gage Ross, Mason Ross, Kennedy Ross, and Bridger Ross; and her great-granddaughter, Eisley Luttrell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Buris Laney, and her son, Hunter Ross.

The family would like to express their special thanks to AmeriCARE Fort Worth for providing exceptional caregivers on a daily basis for Brenda over the last two and a half years. Mary Alice, Diana, and Nikki hold a special place in our hearts. Heart to Heart Hospice also provided top-notch care to Brenda over the last few months of her life.

A visitation will be held on August 14, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wade Funeral Home. Burial will follow on August 15, 2026, from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brenda’s name to Arlington Life Shelter, 325 W. Division St., Arlington, TX 76011.