Betty Louise Ross-Harrington passed at the age of 75 on March 3, 2024 at Pomona Valley Hospital after a sudden decline in health and fighting for several weeks. She was surrounded by
her children and grandchildren as she peacefully took her last breath. Betty was the glue to her family unit and her loss is felt in the spirits of everyone she cared for and held close to her heart. Betty was born in Covina, CA on April 22, 1948 to Jean and Robert (Bob) Ernest Campbell. She was one of 3 children. Her siblings were: Becky Sue Crumley and William Lesley Campbell. From a young age, Betty had a strong work ethic and naturally nurtured others. Her natural ability and desire to take care of others was her foundation and life's mission. At 19, Betty married McKinley Ross Jr. in March 1968, just one year after interracial marriage was legalized. Betty experienced being a young White woman in low income, predominantly Black neighborhoods, raising biracial children, having only completed some high school, while navigating a tumultuous marriage. She was a fighter, challenging society's expectations and fighting to provide the best she could for her children. Betty was a mother to more than her biological children. She took care of children by marriage, treating and protecting them as her own and they still consider her Momma Betty to this day. Through all of this, she always said she was blessed and remained a loving and present mother, speaking volumes to her faith, resilience, and grit. Betty divorced McKinley in 1983 and became a single mother to 6 children and maintained contact with the non-biological children she raised. In 1984, Betty and her children moved to Pomona, CA. Betty remarried on March 18, 1989, to Reuben Herman Harrington Jr. who was a provider and father figure to her children. Together, they lived in Pomona, CA, until Reuben traveled to Pennsylvania to be with family on October 1, 2017. He was unable to return upon being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but Betty and Reuben maintained a long-distance marriage, talking daily and sharing their love until his passing on July 17, 2023. Betty remained in her home until her passing in 2024. The house at 1032 will be immortalized as Grandma Betty's House as it was the home that became a refuge and safe haven for her children and grandchildren, where her family convened for holidays and birthdays, where family laughed and cried, and where you could pop by unannounced, and you were always welcomed. Betty is survived by 2 siblings: Becky Sue Crumley and Robert Ernest Campbell Jr. (half-brother by father); 8 children (5 biological): Tammy Marie Ross; Matthew (Matt) Olen Ross; Paul Mechembeko Ross; Michael Aaron Ross; Darren Stephen Ross; (3 non-biological): Rachel Elizabeth Ross; Rochelle Ross; and McKinley Ross. She was reunited with her late children: Lawrence (Larry) Edward Ross and Diana Rochelle Ross. Betty is also survived by 23 grandchildren (17 biological and 11 non-biological), and 10 great grandchildren. Lastly, Betty is survived by several others from marriage to Reuben Herman Harrington Jr. Betty was known for her love of laughter, music (Elvis was her heartthrob and she swooned over Smokey's smooth vocals), Betty Boop, old school cars, driving in the fast lane, and all shades of purple. She was known for giving all that she had, her forgiving heart, and her love of Jesus. Her faith was the driving force of her selflessness and ability to always welcome her loved ones with open arms. Family members remember Betty as someone who loved unconditionally, was musical and stylish, and fierce when necessary. Each of her family members carry a piece of her love, her wisdom, her passions, and her will to keep moving and thriving no matter what circumstances life brings. She is the unmatched matriarch that will continue to be missed and loved more than these words can express.