Viola Kathleen (Kellock) Ross, formerly of Riverton, passed peacefully at the Aberdeen Hospital on January 26, 2026 at the incredible age of 102. Vi was born on September 29, 1923 to parents Earle and Margaret (MacKenzie) Kellock at Foster Ave., Stellarton. She grew up in Plymouth Park until marrying Alexander Ross on July 29, 1950 and moving to Marshall’s Crossing. Already a step-mother to Eldie, Vi also lovingly raised her two children, Janet and Raymond. She spent years working at Valley View Villa and eventually retired from Glen Haven Manor, then devoting all of her time to being the best grandmother a child could ask for.
Vi enjoyed bingo, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, as well as watching golf and baseball on TV. Sleepovers at her home in Riverton always included visits from her extensive family, choosing her lotto numbers, a walk to the store to buy tickets and treats, and a never-ending supply of her famous whoopie pies. She baked so frequently that she wore out a path in her kitchen floor from sink to stove, only stopping when she moved to Ivey’s Terrace at the age of 101 in July 2025. Although Vi cherished her independence, she was very content at Ivey’s, still enjoying visits from family and still keeping her devoted son Ray busy with her daily requests.
Vi was incredibly humble but also (not so) secretly loved attention, especially the fanfare she received on her 100th birthday. After telling everyone she wanted "no fuss", she also reminded her granddaughter that photos needed to be submitted to Live at 5 two weeks prior. The day of her birthday, she gathered everyone to the living room where she turned the volume on her tv to 93, just in case someone in Pictou County might miss hearing the announcement.
Vi will be most missed for unintended humour, great generosity and unmatched selflessness. Up until the very end, she worried most about her loved ones and never herself. Vi had an incredible memory and was always recounting stories of her childhood and her "Mama". If you ever met her, rest assured she remembered not only you, but the names of your spouse, children, your address and as much of your life story as you were willing to share.
Vi is survived by her daughter, Janet (Alan) Wark, Granton; son, Ray, Greenhill; brother, Sandy (Dianne) Kellock, Plymouth; sister-in-law, Heather; grandchildren: Steven (Michelle), Elmfield; Jason, Calgary; Leslee (Matt), New Glasgow; step-grandchildren: Doug (Tim), Jamie (Elaine), and Donnie (Katie) Ross; great-grandchildren: Jayden Wark, Calgary; Owen Atkinson, Halifax; Asa and Eli (Iggy) Baldwin, New Glasgow.
Vi was predeceased by sisters: Erma Cameron, Ione Carrigan, Peggy Green, Jean MacKay, Lois Gillis, Marlene Taylor, and Maxine Connors; brothers: Norval, Earle, Roy, Herdie, Ross, Irving, Gordon, Scott, and 3 in infancy. She lost her husband Alex in 1986; special nephew, Harley (Tracy) Kellock, in 2009; her step-granddaughter, Denise (Ray) Higgins and grandson-in-law, Chris Baldwin, both in 2020, and stepson, Eldie Ross, in 2024.
Special thanks to Dr. Spencer Barclay for his compassionate care; his wife, Caroline, for her visits; and to the staff of Ivey’s Terrace for making Vi’s transition to care a lovely one and serving her "Snap Crackle Pops" as ordered.
There will be no service at Vi’s request. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home.
"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again." - Unknown