Fanny D. Ross Cozzi, 90, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, with family by her bedside.
Fanny was born on Jan. 26, 1934, in Floyd County, Ky., to Riley and Dona Shepherd. The family moved to Warsaw, Indiana, when she was 16 years old, where she would graduate from Warsaw High School.
She married William "Bill" Ross and together, they built a life, a family until his passing in 1974.
In 1975, on Christmas Eve, Fanny and Robert "Bob" Cozzi were united in marriage by Pastor Richard L. Anderson in his home. Fanny and Bob enjoyed 48 years of enduring, compassionate love together.
As a young woman, Fanny worked at Letchfield Creamery. During her so-called golden years, she also volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Kosciusko County in Warsaw, where she was known as “Grandma” to over three generations of children served, beloved for her oft-asked for tater tot casserole. She was actively involved with Leiter Real Estate and Century 21 as a real estate agent, trusted for her honest exchanges with clients.
Family was never far away from Fanny’s heart, even as a successful working woman. Her children and grandchildren were known for surprise visits to her office where she gave them hard candies and always asked about their days. She was also a member of First Baptist Church, Warsaw, and helped in any capacity needed. Serving others was a vital, active testament in her walk with Christ. Fanny had a strong faith in God and her walk with the Lord was a daily priority. For example, as a child, she prayed with her mother for her future children, their children and their children’s children. She loved cooking meals for her family, (the holidays were a favorite time) and tending to her flower garden especially with help from her children and grandchildren. In 1984, she and Bob began annual travels to Florida in their motor home, visiting Fort De Soto and Lake Okeechobee. They loved fishing together. Fanny usually caught more fish than Bob and relished in the fact, making sure her husband knew the score. She also enjoyed time spent with many friends and family, including Sunday outings with her husband and church friends for lunch. Egg drop soup at Wong’s was a Sabbath treat.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; and children: Cynthia "Cindi" (James "Mike" Knepper) Ross, James "Jim" (Tonya) Ross and Allan (Joyce) Ross; grandchildren: Tiffany Ross Krotke, Sherri Ross Fields, Autumn Knepper, Justin Ross, April Knepper Jaynes, William Knepper, Rachel Ross Polk, William "Bill" Ross, Megan Downs, Malia Chen, Gracee Jacobs, Abbey Jacobs, Noah Jacobs, Sarah Thompson and Seth Thompson; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Mary Murphy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Fanny was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill; her children, Sherry Ann Ross and Michael "Mike" Ross; her parents; and her siblings: Otis Shepherd, Allie Hicks, Nearie Smith, Malcom Shepherd, Bernice Mayhugh, Virgil Shepherd, Bill Shepherd, Randall Shepherd and an infant sister, who died soon after birth, Maude.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with a visitation prior at 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at First Baptist Church, 2819 Patterson Road, Warsaw, with Pastor Steve Rahn officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
The family kindly request the memorial donations to First Baptist Church, 2819 Patterson Road, Warsaw, IN 46582.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.