Jill Pamela Ross

Jill Pamela (Wise) Ross, 58, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Born in Rootstown, Ohio to Richard and Martha (Dill) Wise, she lived in the area most of her life.

Throughout her life, Jill had a deep love for horses. From a young age, she was an avid horsewoman who participated in 4-H and local horse shows. As a teenager, she successfully showed Arabian horses. As a young adult, Jill trained and showed horses for various clients. She then transitioned into farm management, working at her family's 40-stall stable. Later, she largely worked with racehorses at variuos regional tracks. She obtained a junior trainer's license and started her own prosperous horse transportation business, which she operated until her passing. She also successfully bred and owned thoroughbred racehorses.

Beyond her love of horses, Jill was a talented gymnast and cheerleader in her youth. She was also a lifelong dog and cat lover, working for a time at a veterinary clinic. Most importantly, Jill loved her family and friends. She was an extraordinarily generous, kind, and funny individual who touched the lives of those around her. She mentored numerous youths and was beloved in the horse community.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Ross, whom she had been with since she was 16 years old. She is also survived by her father Richard (Betty) Wise, her sister Lee Ann (Mike) Tursi and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Wise.

Family and friends are invited to attend memorial calling hours from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. A private family burial will be held on Saturday at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown. Condolences and memories of Jill may be shared at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.