Natalie’s Song

Natalie Ross was born on November 4, 1962, and came to live in Aurora with her grandparents, Jona and Mildred Ross, at the age 3. Some of Natalie’s happiest times were spent at a playground in Aurora, which she visited twice a day. Born with a missing chromosome, Natalie had limited ability to speak. However, she showed a passion for music by singing songs with her family and caretakers, playing notes on her piano, and contentedly listening to records and songs on her small tape recorder. Natalie’s aunt, Dr. Linda Ross-Happy, wrote “Natalie’s Song” after Natalie’s death at the age of 17.

Linda Ross-Happy donated funds for the musical piece of playground equipment at the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground in memory of Natalie. Linda has also established the Natalie Ross Memorial Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation, dedicated to the long-term care and replacement of equipment, benches, and structures at the playground.