Fundraiser for clubs, schools dies at 105

Antoinette Ross led a full life right up until her death at the age of 105.

"She was still driving at the age of 99," said daughter Roselle Kwak of Lake Villa. "She was really a great woman who led such an amazing and fulfilling life."

Mrs. Ross, a resident of Fox Lake since 1949, died in March at a Lindenhurst nursing home. Memorial services will be held at 7 tonight at the Lakes Region American Legion Post 703 on Route 12 in Fox Lake.

Mrs. Ross was a member of the Post 703 Women's Auxiliary, the Fox Lake Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, the Grant Township Republican Women's Club and St. Bede Catholic Church in Ingleside.

She was born April 1, 1902, in Chicago.

Mrs. Ross's husband was a member of the Fox Lake Police Department who was wounded in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop on Route 12.

"After my father was disabled, my mother started buying and selling real estate to help pay the bills," Kwak said. "She received her real estate license later in life, when she was about 58."

Mrs. Ross retired from the real estate business when she was 75, but continued to raise money for her various clubs in the area, Kwak said.

"One of my fondest memories was her selling hot dogs and barbecue at Shady Lane School to help raise money to send our class to Washington D.C.," she said. "She was always there to help organizations raise money for whatever they needed."

"She was a fantastic lady who was always there whenever anyone needed her," Kwak said.

Survivors also include former son-in-law Wally Kwak of Lake Villa and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.

Memorials to the Fox Lake Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 26, Fox Lake, IL 60020, would be appreciated.

Arrangements were made by the K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home in Fox Lake, (847) 587-2100.