Joan Clements Ross

Joan Clements Ross, age 91 of La Crosse, passed away with her families and friends by her side on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. She was born July 14, 1932 to the late John Clements and Elizabeth Smith Clements.

She grew up on Oliver farm in Viola, WI and went to school in Richland Center. After she graduated college she was employed by University of Wisconsin - La Crosse as an elementary teacher; when the campus school closed she continued to teach reading at the college level. She also mentored young UWL teachers as they found their footing on campus. She was revered by her students and well respected by her colleagues.

As a volunteer for V.O.C.A (Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistances) Joan, and her late husband Bill, travelled to Bulgaria in support of agricultural development. Their work had a lasting impact on a post-Communist country, but more importantly it led to an enduring relationship with several Bulgarian families. When one of those families was given the opportunity to relocate to the United States, Joan and Bill became their sponsors and assisted them in adjusting to the American way of life. This simple act of kindness has led to the establishment of a successful Bulgarian community in La Crosse, WI.

Joan loved to travel, she visited many excited places. Everyone enjoyed her travel stories, as well as seeing the beautiful souvenirs she collected.

She loved entertaining at her A-frame house overlooking the Mississippi river, always setting a lovely table something she inherited from her British mother. Her baking and cooking skills were unmatched.

She enjoyed gardening, made beautiful flower gardens filled with roses, and grew her own vegetables.

She loved the river, where she enjoyed boating and fishing.

She is survived by her step-grandson Vincent Stafanelli and step-granddaughter Nicole Stafanelli of Indiana; Roger Clements, Ralph Clements and many cousins living in WI and SD.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill) Ross, her brother John and her step-daughter Fonda Rhea.

Per Joan’s request no funeral service will be held.