Evelyn Ross

On January 30, 2025, our beloved Evelyn Lois Gandy-Ross, at the age of 96, peacefully gained her heavenly wings at her home in Tahlequah, Oklahoma surrounded by family and her caregiver, after a gradual decline in her health. Evelyn, was a Cherokee Nation Citizen and daughter of the late Louisa Sanders & Avery Swepston, was born July 4, 1928. Raised by "Mama Sis" on the Cherokee Reservation in the community of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She graduated from Fort Gibson High School. She was united in marriage to John Edward Gandy of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and later remarried James Haskell Ross (Descendant of Joseph "Stick" Ross) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. To these unions three sons were born, Johnny L Gandy, Sammy K. Gandy, and Felix Gandy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, John Gandy and James Ross, brother, Harold McDonald Sr., and a son, Felix Gandy.

Evelyn lived in Tahlequah, Oklahoma for most of her life. For many years she worked for the "Berry Family" as a domestic caregiver. She was a very active and dutiful member of Antioch Baptist Church and was still a member upon her passing. She enjoyed serving in her church and knowing Jesus was most important to her. She was a very strong Woman of God!

She was a classy, fashionable, welcoming, loving, and god-fearing woman. She had an energy that attracted anyone who was blessed to have the opportunity to be in her presence.

She was always full of life and never missed a beat. And... funny is an understatement; you could always be sure to get a joke or slick comment from her. Her passion and joy in life was cooking for her family. Her family gathered often to enjoy and indulge in her renowned dishes.

She loved cooking and feeding EVERYONE who was hungry. Her Peach Cobbler & Fried Chicken will never be duplicated and truly be missed.

Her biggest love was fishing and cooking up a batch of fried fish to share. Her guilty pleasure was sports. One of her favorite pastimes was going to watch "The Famous Lee St Malibu's". Her favorite NBA team was Oklahoma Thunder, and her favorite player was Russell Westbrook.

She received one of the highest honors from Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation where he proclaimed July 4th the official "Evelyn Ross Day" in the Cherokee Nation.

She is survived by two sons, Johnny L. Gandy, Sr. and Sammy K. Gandy (Geraldine) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and her only living nephew, Harold R. McDonald, Sr. of Austin, TX; 33 grandchildren, a Host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lastly, "special" recognition to Shirley Ray, her faithful Caregiver for the last 3 years that took really good care of her right up until she transitioned.

Funeral Service will be 10 AM, Friday, February 7, 2025, at Hart Funeral Home with graveside services take place at 12:30 PM, Friday at Fort Gibson VA Cemetery.

Public viewing will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Hart Funeral Home from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.