Longtime Dowagiac Resident Lula Ross Dies at 97

Lula V. Ross, a fixture at the local laundromat for over 40 years, is remembered for her warm spirit and deep family ties.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Lula V. Ross, a 97-year-old resident of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on March 1, 2026. Born in Missouri in 1928, Lula made Michigan her home in 1972 and worked at the Wash Shed Coin Laundromat in Dowagiac for over 40 years until retiring at age 90 in 2018. She was known throughout the community for her friendly demeanor, Avon sales, and deep commitment to her family.

Why it matters

Lula's story highlights the importance of community connections and the impact that long-serving local businesses and their employees can have on a town. Her decades of service and warm interactions with customers made her a beloved figure in Dowagiac, underscoring the value of small businesses and the people who dedicate their careers to serving their local communities.

The details

Lula worked at the Wash Shed Coin Laundromat in Dowagiac for over 40 years, retiring in 2018 at the age of 90. In addition to her laundromat job, she was also well-known in the area for selling Avon products and always delivering them with a warm smile and friendly conversation. Lula was deeply devoted to her family, keeping multiple generations connected through her unwavering support and wise counsel.

  • Lula V. Ross was born on September 18, 1928 in Naylor, Missouri.
  • Lula made Michigan her home in 1972.
  • Lula worked at the Wash Shed Coin Laundromat in Dowagiac for over 40 years, retiring in 2018 at the age of 90.
  • Lula passed away peacefully at her home on March 1, 2026.

The players

Lula V. Ross

A 97-year-old resident of Dowagiac, Michigan who worked at the Wash Shed Coin Laundromat for over 40 years and was known throughout the community for her friendly demeanor, Avon sales, and deep commitment to her family.

George and Athia (Thompson) Litton

Lula's parents, whose early influence helped shape her strength, resilience, and steady spirit.

Earl Ross

Lula's former spouse.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A service to celebrate Lula's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 9, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes in Dowagiac, Michigan. Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

The takeaway

Lula's story exemplifies the value of community-oriented businesses and the impact that dedicated, long-serving employees can have on a local town. Her warm spirit, deep family ties, and decades of service at the Wash Shed Coin Laundromat made her a beloved figure in Dowagiac, underscoring the importance of small businesses and the people who invest their careers in serving their neighbors.