Brenda Gross

March 5, 1946 - January 30, 2018

Brenda Jean Gross, 71, of Monrovia, was called home and reunited with her son and parents in heaven on Tuesday, January 30th, with her loving family at her side. Her life story began on Sunday, March 5, 1946, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, as the oldest child raised by Mildred Wonota (Jackson) and Charles Dooley. Brenda grew up in Indianapolis, where she attended Arsenal Tech High School. Striking the eye of a handsome young serviceman from inside a sharp 1962 Volkswagen, Brenda met the love of her life while walking from a restaurant on 10th Street. A love story that even the grandchildren enjoy reenacting, she was united in marriage to Creed Gross on October 14, 1966. Brenda was a GM retiree, where she worked as a machine operator at Allison’s Transmission for 25 years. She was actively involved in the UAW local 933, where she participated in several charities and sat as the chairman of the union election committee for many years. A feisty, stubborn yet sensitive and poetic woman, Brenda was set in her ways and willing to go to great lengths for something that she believed in. Although her shopping trips may have required six trips in to three different stores, she completed the job and never once stopped marching to the beat of her own drum. A strong-willed and devoted matriarch, it was going to be a battle if someone stood against Brenda or her family. She was an avid gamer. Brenda had several gaming friends online, as she was always playing or watching something. She spent Tuesdays at ladies BUNCO, Thursdays with card club and was on several bowling leagues over the years. Brenda loved to go on family fishing and camping trips to Cataract. A faithful SURVIVOR and reality TV fan, everyone knew when she would be watching her show. Brenda and her husband were spontaneous travel companions visiting all 50 States including taking the camper to Alaska for two months and visiting the 5 Islands of Hawaii. Brenda was better known as Nana. The grandkids and grandbabies were her entire LIFE and Nana’s door was open to all. Always exceeding the expectations without limits, she will be remembered and missed from memories that include trips to the General Store at Cataract for pickles, peanuts or an ice-cold coke, adding chips to a bologna sandwich, or playing board games, cards, Yahtzee, toasting with sparkling grape juice and musical chairs at Nana’s New Year’s Eve parties. She was a fun, creative and caring woman and to whom those she loved, she loved with all of her might. Without a doubt, her character was colorful, her personality was bold and her demeanor was full. Finding great joy in the little things, her family was everything and she will be greatly missed and forever loved by her near and dear family and friends. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Bobby Darrell and an infant brother, Billy Carol. Survivors include her loving husband of nearly 53 years, Creed Gross of Monrovia; two daughters, Tammy (Gross) Everett of Monrovia and Angie (Gross) Nally (husband, Doug) of Greencastle; sisters, Sandee Benton (husband, Marty) of Indianapolis, Pam Martin (husband, Ben) of Danville, Angela Nichols (husband, Kim); grandchildren, Bobby Alan, Leea, Skyler and Jessica; Derek, Megan, Jenna, and Julia; Jesse, Ashtin, Marin, Joshua, Jacob and Joseph; great grandchildren, Ciera, Nevaeh, Kaylea, Neva and Weston; a host of extended family members, in-laws and treasured nieces and nephews; and her little rescue dog and faithful companion, Peanut. Friends and family are invited to visit from 2 to 6pm, on Sunday, February 4th, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1pm, on Monday, February 5th, with additional calling held an hour prior to services at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved son, Bobby in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall and Pastor Jack Elliott will officiate the services. To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence or light candle in her memory visit www.lightmemorial.com.