Energetic Elizabeth Nichols-Ross joined the St. Andrew’s family over 50 years ago.
“My aunt and uncle lived in Lake Worth Beach and belonged to the church, so when my sister and I visited, we joined them,” says the West Virginia native.
In 2016 Elizabeth and her husband of 38 years, Beaver Ross, became official snowbirds, after retiring from their career owning a funeral home. “We are usually called funeral directors, but I prefer Undertaker,” she says. “It was more a calling than a job,” she says.
Since then, they trek from their home in small-town Cambridge, New York (about four hours north of New York City), to the sunny comfort of Lake Worth’s College Park neighborhood. “We stay in the home my parents bought in 1977.”
“I regularly attend the 7:30 a.m. service,” says Elizabeth, a self-professed early riser, who regularly starts her day at 3:00 a.m. “It’s quiet, meditative, and I feel like I’m not wrapped up in the hectic-ness of the day, so I feel more present.” “And I have just fallen in love with Rev. Cori,” says Elizabeth. “With every sermon, I say to myself ‘How did she know that’s what I needed to hear?’”
On most mornings you’ll also find her knitting. She belongs to a knitting group that creates prayer shawls at St. Luke’s, her church in New York. “It’s become a whole ministry. I would love to get a group started at St. Andrew’s. I miss it. I could see us meeting in the memorial garden—it would be wonderful!”
If you are interested in helping Elizabeth jumpstart a knitting group at St. Andrew’s, you can reach out to her directly at elizafundirector@gmail.com.
She says her email address has taken on a new meaning in retirement. “My friends say I’m now the ‘fun director.’ I like that.”
Five Questions for Elizabeth Nichols-Ross
What is your favorite hymn? “Amazing Grace.”
What is something not many people know about you? I worked as a bartender in New York City.
Do you prefer singing in the shower or your car? Neither! I sing on the street while walking my two dogs.
What service do you attend? 7:30 a.m.
How would you describe St. Andrew’s in a word or phrase? Caring and welcoming.
