Brenda was the oldest child raised by Mildred Winota (Jackson) and Charles Dooley. She grew up in Indianapolis, where she attended Arsenal Tech High School. Striking the eye of a handsome young serviceman from inside her sharp 1964 VW, Brenda met the love of her life while walking from a restaurant on 10th Street. A love story that even the grandchildren enjoying reenacting. She was united in marriage with Creed Gross on Oct. 14, 1966. Brenda was a GM retiree, where she worked as a machine operator at Allison's Transmission for 25 years. She was actively involved in the UAW Local 933, where she participated in several charities and sat as a Chairman of the Union Election Committee for many years. A feisty, stubborn yet sensitive and poetic woman, Brenda was set in her ways and willing to go to great lengths for something she believed in. Although her shopping trips may have required 6 trips into 3 different stores, she completed the job and never once stopped marching to the beat of her own drum. A strong-willed and devoted matriarch, it was going to be a battle if someone stood against Brenda and her tribe. She was an avid gamer and gamer of all games. Brenda had several gaming friends online (this contributor included), as she was always playing or watching something. She spent Tuesdays at ladies BUNCO, Thursdays with card club and was on a bowling league. Prior to retiring, Brenda loved to go on family fishing outings at Cataract and mini camping vacations. A faithful reality TV fan, Brenda has watched Survivor for 20 years, long before the luxury of being able to record it and watch later. She and Creed were spontaneous travel companions; taking the camper to Alaska for 2 months, along with countless trips to and from places all over the 50 states. According to Brenda's rules of travel, "If you didn't stay the night in the state, then it didn't count." Brenda was "the Nana" above Nanas and Papaws. The grand kids and grand babies were her entire LIFE and Nana's door was open to all. Always exceeding the expectations without limits, she will be remembered and missed from memories that include trips to the General Store at Cataract for pickles, peanuts or an ice-cold Coke, adding chips to a bologna sandwich, or playing board games, cards, Yahtzee, toasting with sparkling grape juice and musical chairs at Nana's New Year's Eve sleepover parties. She was an avid gamer, an excellent cook and talented baker. Brenda was a caring woman and she would go to the end of the world for those she loved. Without a doubt, her character was colorful, her personality was bold and her demeanor was full. Finding great joy in the little things, her family was everything. She will be greatly missed and forever loved by her near and dear family and friends. (And I know all her online lady friends in Pogo - "HeeBeeGeeBees" will truly miss her!!) Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Bobby Darrell and an infant brother, Billy Carol. Survivors include her loving husband of nearly 53 years, Creed Gross of Monrovia; two daughters, Tammy (Gross) Everett of Monrovia and Angie (Gross) Nally (husband, Doug) of Greencastle; sisters Sandee Benton (husband, Marty) of Indianapolis and Pam Martin (husband, Ben) of Danville; grandchildren, Bobby Alan (wife, Leea), Skyler and Jessica; Derek, Megan, Jenna, and Julia; Jesse, Ashtin, Marin, Joshua, Jacob and Joseph; great grandchildren, Ciera, Nevaeh, Kaylea, Neva and Weston; a host of extended family members, in-laws and treasured nieces and nephews; and her little rescue dog and faithful terrier companion, Peanut.