Winnifred (Thompson) Ross

Millet

1886-1974

Description

Life and Work

Her friends described her as "having a great fund of common sense, tolerance and objectivity." Winnifred Ross wished to raise the standards of rural schools and promote adult education in rural areas.

Born in Germania, Ontario in 1886, Winnifred Thompson attended business college. She moved out West and married Harold Ross in 1911. However, he died at Vimy Ridge in 1917 and she took over the family farm with the help of her two brothers.

Winnifred Ross quickly became involved in rural activism. She served the United Farm Women of Alberta (UFWA) for 24 years, as a director, vice-president and president. She advised the Alberta Schools of Agriculture and was appointed to the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta where she served from 1948-1954.

She was a member of the Alberta Health Survey committee, which paved the way to Alberta health units and sat on the Alberta Board of Industrial relations from 1947 to 1970.

In 1974, the year of her death, she was elected to the Agriculture Hall of Fame.


Associated Member Museum: Millet and District Museum and Archives