Nancy Louise Rossi

Nancy Louise Rossi, age 88, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away peacefully at Dean's Care Villa in Bakersfield, CA on July 29, 2025, with family by her side.

Born in Hollywood, California, in 1937, to Charles and Gladys, Nancy was the first of two children, later joined by her brother Howard. The family moved to Haiwee, California when Nancy was young, where she began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Olancha. In their youth, Nancy and Howard faced a trial few children could ever imagine, struck down by rheumatic fever, they were forced to spend an entire year in bed, enduring regular penicillin injections. A time they would remember throughout their lives. The family later moved to Big Pine, CA where she attended high school and played on the tennis team.

It was during these years that she first met Ronald Rossi, although they were a few years apart in age. After Ronald's service in the Army, they reconnected in Altadena, CA and soon began dating. On Nancy's 19th birthday, they eloped to Las Vegas, beginning a lifelong partnership. The couple moved to Ridgecrest, California, in 1959, where they embraced the Catholic faith and remarried in the church.

Nancy dedicated her life to raising her five children, often managing a household on a tight budget with unwavering love and devotion. For the final two years that her youngest child attended St. Ann School, Nancy took a job there teaching 3rd grade. She later opened a home-based childcare business, which she ran for many years until her retirement. To this day, many of the students she taught and children she babysat still consider her a 'bonus grandmother'. Throughout her life, Nancy's greatest joy was her family — children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike — all of whom she loved deeply.

A devout Catholic, Nancy was an active member of St. Ann Church, dedicating much of her time to various ministries, including Perpetual Adoration, the Legion of Mary and hosting a weekly Rosary group in her home. She generously supported the church, priests, and school, living out her faith with humility and devotion.

Nancy faced many health challenges throughout her life but never lost her optimistic spirit. She was known for her laughter, her love of singing, and her radiant joy in the presence of her family. Above all, Nancy's legacy is one of unwavering love for her family and her faith.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Ronald, who passed in 2023, and her daughter, Melanie, who passed in 2020.

She is survived by her four remaining children: Giovanni (Gail) Rossi, Tami Welsh, Lance (Margaret) Rossi, and Maria (Marty) Wigtion. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Christiana (Steve) Wilson, William Welsh, Gregory Rossi, Matthew Rossi, Cassandra Wigtion, Michael Rossi, Nicholas (Shalee) Wigtion, Andrew (Faith) Rossi, Timothy (Katelyn) Rossi, Elizabeth Rossi, Austin (Katarina) Rossi, Christina Rossi, and James (Monica) Rossi, along with 10 great-grandchildren: Griffin and Titus Welsh, Elijah, Oliver and, Alexander Wigtion, Christopher and Kevin Wilson, Anthony and Luke Rossi, and Abigail Rossi.

Rosary and Visitation will be held at Holland & Lyons Mortuary Friday August 22, 2025 from 5-7pm with the rosary starting at 5pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 23, 2025 at 10am at St. Ann Church in Ridgecrest, CA. Followed by an Internment at Desert Memorial Park and then a reception at Monsignor Kevin Cleary Parish Hall at St. Ann Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Ann School or Parish.

Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of faith, love, and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of her family.