Nadine Jean Bahr Ross

Nadine “Nade” Jean Ross passed away on January 17th, 2026, surrounded by family. Nadine was born October 4, 1933, in Gillett, Wisconsin, to Mary and Herbert Bahr. She was the fourth of five children. Nadine graduated from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts. A few months after graduation, she married her college sweetheart David “Dave” Ross, who was her loving husband of more than 62 years. After beginning their married life in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to complete David’s military service, Nadine taught at an elementary school. They returned to Wisconsin in 1956, starting their family and David’s career. Nadine was a loving mother to five children and was a dedicated and supportive partner to her husband.

At home, Nadine was a busy homemaker, planning her gardens and preserving the bounty, sewing clothes for her children and herself, and orchestrating the many household moves required by David’s career. Nadine, willing to dabble in new things, experimented with being a financial planner, real estate agent, and travel agent. Nadine and David were avid card players, often getting together with their siblings and friends to play bridge. Nadine made sure her children were card players too, never “letting” them win and always challenging them to overtake her skill. Reading was a lifelong passion for Nadine, and in middle-age years, she was able to dedicate energy to her other love, creative writing.

Among Nadine’s great joys were spending time with family, walking, and traveling in both the US and abroad. She loved the sun and the beach, and for many years she and David made the Atlantic beachside of Florida their winter destination.

Nadine and David moved to Twin Lakes Community in North Carolina in 2004. There they made new friends, sang in the choir, volunteered at the library, and enjoyed serious, but fun, competitive bridge. Nadine served as board member at Twin Lakes for one term. At the retirement community, Nadine was known as The Walker, as she was seen walking around the community once or twice a day, setting quite a pace (and likely a record), the last 22 years. Nadine was loved and taken care of, with an abundance of respect and compassion, by the wonderful TLC staff.

Nadine and David always found a church home wherever they settled, often volunteered to teach Sunday school, serve on committees, usher, sing in the choir, and in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Nadine served as the volunteer youth choir director. She also was a member of PEO in both Wisconsin and North Carolina.

Nadine was widowed in 2017 when her cherished husband died after years long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Nadine was a constant and true support for David throughout those declining and difficult years. She was pre-deceased by her parents Mary and Herbert Bahr, parents-in-law Ethel and Elmer Ross, brother Vernon “Bud,” sister Ruth (Bob), sister Maureen (Gary), sister-in-law Grace “Tootie,” brothers-in-law John and Charles “Chuck.” She is survived by her brother Roderick “Rod”, her sisters-in-law Nancy, Sue, and Donna, and her five children and their spouses: Katherine (Mark) Bidwell; Susan (Steve) Wesner; Peter (Peggy) Ross; Rebecca (Scott) Radcliffe; Rachel (Mark) Anderson. Nadine is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A private, family Celebration of Life will be held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on August 6th, 2026 - Nadine and David’s 71st Wedding Anniversary. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the staff of Twin Lakes through: Twin Lakes Auxiliary Tree of Life Program, 3701 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215.