Kristina Anne Ross, 49, of DeKalb passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.  
Born with Spina Bifida, which left her partially paralyzed, she recognized that life would be challenging for her.  She embraced that challenge with courage.
Kristy was born on September 1, 1975, in Freeport, IL to parents David and Cheryl (Rummel) Ross. She grew up in Shabbona, IL and graduated in 1993 with the last class from Shabbona High School. While in high school she learned to drive with hand controls so she could independently attend Kishwaukee College, where she completed an associate’s degree in office systems in 1997.
Kristy started her career at Creative Calligraphy where she spent 3 years followed by a 4- year position at DeKalb County Special Education Association. She found her destiny at NIU in 2004 when she went to work in the Accountancy Department in the College of Business. She loved her job, her students, and the faculty & staff. She considered them her other family. She was recently honored for the completion of her 20th year.
Kristy was a lifelong Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. She also cheered on the NIU Huskies. She loved music especially her Boy Bands – NSYNC and New Kids on the Block. Watching WWE wrestling was one of her favorite pastimes 6 days a week.  An avid reader she focused on biographies and memoirs. She also spent time playing electronic games, especially jigsaw puzzles. Because she knew of the importance of physical fitness, she was faithful to regular workouts first at the NIU Rec Center and most recently the NM Wellness Center. 
Kristy was preceded in death by her father David, maternal grandparents Benjamin and Mildred Rummel and paternal grandparents Gerald and Frances Ross.
Kristy is survived by her mother Cheryl and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A special thanks to the ICU Staff of Kishwaukee Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit of NM Cancer Center.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th, from 4-6 at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. A private family memorial service will follow the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the NIU Foundation, Department of Accountancy Scholarship Fund.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.