Barre
Cynthia S. Ross, Barre Resident and Dedicated Nurse, Passes Away
Beyond her professional and military achievements, Cynthia lived by the philosophy that laughter was the greatest medicine for the soul, a warmth she shared generously with those around her. Her devotion to service and her joyful spirit remains an enduring…
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By VTD Obituaries | VTDigger
Cynthia Stimmel Ross, a resident of Barre, Vermont, and a dedicated nurse with a remarkable military background, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 87. Her contributions to healthcare and the military have left a lasting impact on our community.
Life and Career
Born on November 22, 1938, in Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania, Cynthia was the daughter of Eugene and Leocadia Stimmel. She graduated from Kane Area High School in 1956 and later from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1959. Over her impressive 50-year nursing career, she held various roles including operating room nurse, general surgery nurse, and health center manager, before retiring to work part-time at Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.
Military Service
Cynthia’s commitment to service extended to her military career, where she served as an Occupational Health Nurse for the Vermont Army National Guard from 1981 to 2001, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Notably, during Operation Desert Storm, she served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, earning an Army Achievement Medal in 1991. In 1997, she was deployed to Macedonia, where she excelled as a clinical instructor and was awarded a second Army Achievement Medal for her leadership in multinational medical training.
Survived By and Final Arrangements
Cynthia is survived by her sons Patrick and Timothy, along with their families, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by her sister Jean and her family, as well as the Blouin family of Montpelier, whom she considered part of her extended family.
A ceremony and burial will take place at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph on June 16 at 1 p.m. This private service will be attended by family, military family, and close friends.
Legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Cynthia was known for her philosophy that “laughter was the greatest medicine for the soul,” a sentiment she shared with those around her. Her spirit of joy and dedication to service will be remembered by all who knew her.
This story was originally published by VTDigger. Reporting by VTD Obituaries. Read the original story on VTDigger.
