If you have any news to share about births and deaths, or if you have written a book or composed a piece of music you think our community would be interested in, please send it to zephyr@inayatiyya.org with the subject heading “News of the Caravan.” Photos are welcome.
Remembrance
Mary June Strain Ross was born October 28, 1928 in Greencastle, Indiana of the late James Franklin Strain and Gladys Kersey Ellen Strain. She died of lung cancer in her home in New Lebanon on December 10, 2025.
She is survived by her brother Edwin Helt Strain and her children and their families, Dorothy Ross & Charles Stewart, Eric Ross, Daniel and Marina Ross and their children Caleb, Mattew & Zachary, and Alan Ross & Michell Dossett. June grew up on a dairy and apple farm during the Great Depression. She left for college at age 16 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
June married Andrew Sharp Ross on March 18, 1951. She qualified for a private pilot’s license. She raised five children, Dorothy. Eric, Daniel, Marcia and Alan. She earned a Master’s degree in Education and taught preschool through 2nd grade for 11 years in the Beacon City School District, Beacon, NY and the Mountain Road School, New Lebanon, NY.
June was a member of the Sufi Order International. She earned a four year degree from the Suluk Academy and was a Golden Herald of the Knighthood of Purity of the Hazrati Order. She corresponded with over 100 prisoners, as well as with family and friends. She loved music, and sang and played the piano, autoharp, ukelele and accordion. She traveled to all 50 states and to several countries, including Ireland and India. In her later years she walked 10,000 steps a day with her walker at home. She was actively involved with the Stephentown Federated Church and the New Lebanon Book Club until her final illness. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.
