The Paula Ross Foundation Will Be Launching Soon. Please See The Details Of Her Celebration Of Life Below.
If you have pictures, video or any words/stories you would like to share at her celebration of life, please email those to info@PaulaRossFoundation.com. The PaulaRossFoundation.com will be an online memorial that will live on forever and will be updated in the days ahead.
Obituary for Paula Charlene Ross 5/31/1956 - 10/10/2024
Paula Charlene Ross, a renowned fashion designer and consultant, passed away on October 10, 2024 at the age of 68. Born on May 31, 1956, Paula lived an extraordinary life dedicated to creativity, fashion, and helping others.
Paula leaves behind her beloved family: her son Shaun Ross, daughter Samantha Ross, daughter-in-law Carly Ross, granddaughter Summer Ross, former husband and father to her children Randy Ross, sister Connie Morris, brother Danny Williams, mother Louise Williams, father Denny Williams and beloved partner Raymond Bitner. Her contributions to the world of high fashion are legendary. She designed for some of the most iconic figures in entertainment, including Elvis Presley, Stevie Nicks, Luther Vandross, Morgan Fairchild, Kathie Lee Gifford, Ivana Trump, Mick Fleetwood, Sheila E, Dolly Parton, Susan Lucci, Cher, Prince, Oak Ridge Boys, Chaka Khan, and Victoria Principal. Paula also graced the modeling world as a model for both the Ford Modeling Agency and the William Morris Agency in New York City.
Paula's creative genius extended beyond fashion. She founded Paula Ross Jeans, the Topaz fashion design store, and Paula Ross Fashions. She also served as a fashion consultant to The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was featured on "LifeStyles of The Rich And Famous" alongside Mick Fleetwood and the show "Focus On New York" among other fashion industry publications and TV interviews.
In her later years, Paula embraced a new chapter of her career by moving to the country and transitioning her talents into Western designs. She founded Western Extreme, designing high-fashion chaps for bull riders and rodeo cowboys, as well as creating stunning outfits for rodeo girls and princesses in competitions. Her expertise in production, design, and costume creation made her a VIP in the fashion world, from high-profile Hollywood events to the rodeo arenas.
Paula was a graduate of Clark High School in Las Vegas, where she first developed her passion for fashion and was self-taught. Her career included winning numerous fashion shows, training with Madam Atuel in New York, and being a keynote speaker at many trade shows and conventions. Paula was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, contributing to many iconic outfits seen on the big screen, worn by A-list celebrities. She loved riding horses, traveling, and anything involving an adventure, as that was her whole life; an incredible adventure.
Despite her battle with dementia, Paula remained dedicated to her craft and her family. Her final wishes were to establish the Paula Ross Foundation, a charitable organization focused on fighting early-onset dementia, recognizing its early signs, and discovering treatments. She passed away far too young, but her legacy will continue through the foundation, which will be brought to fruition by her family.
Paula's remarkable life touched countless people, and she will be remembered for her creativity, her elegance, and her unwavering commitment to helping others. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
