Carole Ross Obituary

Carole Ross

March 5, 1954 - August 6, 2023

Durham, North Carolina - Carole Cameron Ross passed away peacefully in her Durham home, on Sunday August 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Carole was born in Greenville, NC to Norman and Ann Bradley Cameron on March 5, 1954. Her passions for adventure, reading and the outdoors were sparked during childhood summers spent traveling the country in a station wagon with her parents, sister Norma and the family pets. She graduated from Rose High School, East Carolina University and later earned a master's degree in biomedical statistics from The University of North Carolina.

Carole met her husband, Ralph Neill Ross Jr. on a bike ride when he was a student at ECU. They married in 1981; then in 1984, they hiked over 1,000 miles of the Continental Divide Trail with their dog Packer. After settling in Durham, they had two children; a daughter, Katherine (Kacie) Cameron Ross who was born on April 11, 1986; and a son, Alexander Bradley Ross who was born on Feb. 6, 1991. Carole and Neill instilled in their kids their love of adventure through annual outdoor vacations: tent camping beside the French Broad River, walking on the beach, or swimming in a remote lake in the western mountains. Carole could often be found hanging in a hammock, reading a good book. She loved the trails at home on the Eno River, where she was a secret cairn builder. As a hiker, cyclist, tandem bicycle rider, and dedicated weightlifter, Carole's commitment to her fitness and wellness was inspirational to others. A gifted cook, Carole showed love to family, friends and coworkers through her baked goods.

Carole was proud of her 37 years of dedicated work as a Sr IT Analyst for Duke University Hospital Heart Center. Well respected as a pioneer woman in IT, she was known as a patient teacher and the "Data-Queen" by her coworkers. Carole was also a prolific blood donor, giving 8+ gallons over her lifetime. Known to "live green and bleed blue", Carole was an environmental advocate and an Adopt-the Highway volunteer, with her own road clean-up for over 30 years. A lifelong supporter of women's sports, she especially was a passionate fan of Duke women's basketball, where she was a season ticket holder in Cameron Indoor Stadium for 23 years.

Carole's dry, often bawdy sense of humor and incredibly quick wit was appreciated by all who knew her. Even through her courageous battle with cancer, she kept family, friends and Duke Hospital staff uplifted with her jokes. Carole described herself as introverted and "stoic" although those who really knew her knew that she was a strong woman who also had a heart of gold, who would go out of her way to make others feel welcomed with a thoughtful compliment or warm hug.

Carole and Neill became caregivers for both of their mothers over the years, Rachel Ross and Ann "Grannie Annie" Cameron, building a space for them in their home and caring for each of them until their passing. Carole is survived by her husband, Neill; two adult children; Alex and Kacie; as well as her sister, Norma Taylor; and niece, Cameron Taylor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM in Duke Gardens (meet at the Koi pond). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Durham Library Foundation or the Eno River Association. A special thank you to the staff at the Duke Cancer Center and Duke Hospice for their loving care and support of our cancer warrior.