Jil Ross Airhart of McKinney, Texas passed away April 15, 2023 at the age of 74. She was born on February 24, 1949 to Robert L. and Lahoma (Conner) Ross in Dallas, Texas. Jil graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas and attended Texas Tech University. She married Johnny Warren Airhart on September 21, 1984 in McKinney. Jil was a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of McKinney for many years. For many years, she worked in various areas of the real estate industry including sales and marketing. Jil later worked in retail selling women’s clothing which eventually led to a dream come true in 1994 when she opened her own clothing boutique on the square in downtown McKinney. But her true passion was taking care of injured and orphaned squirrels. Referred to by many as the Squirrel Lady, Jil was licensed by the State of Texas as a small mammal rehabber. She made many friends throughout North Texas working with animals and was a volunteer with Sheltie Rescue for several years. Jil loved every living creature including mankind. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Jil will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Johnny Airhart of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Kim Airhart-Cooper and husband, Ron of Pickton, Texas; granddaughter, Sophie Airhart of Pickton, Texas; brother, R.L. Ross and wife, Edna of Dallas, Texas; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family, and dear friends.
Jil was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Airhart; parents, Robert and Lahoma Ross; and sister, Sue Waits.
The family would like to express appreciation to Grand Brook Memory Care of McKinney and their staff for their tender loving care of Jil. And a most sincere and heartfelt thank you that words can hardly express to Laura Bordenave and Ronald Stein who were in our home many days over the last few years caring for Jil.
The family will receive family and friends during a visitation on Thursday evening, April 20, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church of McKinney, 2708 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75071.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 21, 2023 at Our Savior Lutheran Church of McKinney. The family will have an additional visitation prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. for those unable to attend on Thursday. Following the funeral service, a committal service will be held at Stoney Point Cemetery, Anna, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jil’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org.