Elka Menkin Jaross

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Elka Menkin Jaross, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, the 6th of July 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, after a courageous battle with cutaneous lymphoma. She was 83 years of age.

Elka was born on January 23, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, daughter of the late Sylvia and Sam Menkin. She graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and double minors in Education and Psychology. A spirited and passionate woman, Elka lived a vibrant life full of adventure. She traveled the world and raised her family in various states -beginning in Texas, then to Connecticut, Maryland, California, and North Carolina - before ultimately returning to Texas, the state that held her heart and became her forever home.

Elka dedicated her life to service, creativity, and community. Wherever she lived, she gave generously of her time, volunteering for causes and organizations close to her heart. She served on numerous nonprofit boards and proudly held leadership roles, including president of several organizations such as the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Hadassah - where she served as both president and vice president of various chapters, and the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood. In 2012, she was honored as AAUW Woman of the Year. She also served on the boards of the Pan American Roundtable, the Auxiliary Board of St. Joseph Academy, and the Ladies Concordia Society, contributing her energy to countless committees, fundraising efforts, and community events.

Her deep commitment to service was matched by her passion for education and the arts. In 1972, she co-founded Kenmont Montessori School with her husband, Richard, and taught there for many years. She remained active in the educational community as a member of the Brownsville Area Retired School Employees Association, receiving a perfect attendance award for the 2023–2024 year.

A gifted actress, Elka performed in off-Broadway productions in New York and in regional theaters across Connecticut, North Carolina, and Texas. She also appeared in television shows and films, including Dawson’s Creek. During her time in Wilmington, North Carolina, she was deeply involved with the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, both onstage and behind the scenes. In 2001, she received an award for outstanding performance for her role as Mrs. Brady in Inherit the Wind. She trained at performing arts centers across the country, where she cultivated her craft and deepened a lifelong passion for the stage. After returning to Brownsville, Elka continued to share her love for theater by serving on the board of the Camille Lightner Playhouse and performing in local productions. Temple Beth-El and the Camille Playhouse became second homes to her, and the communities there became like family.

Elka was also a real estate agent, shorthand teacher, and lifelong learner - truly a Jill of all trades. Above all else, Elka was the best, most caring grandmother - lovingly known as Gege to her grandchildren. She was deeply involved in their lives, always driving them to activities, cheering them on, and, most importantly, making sure they had the best snacks. Even when some of her grandchildren lived out of town, Gege made every effort to stay connected - traveling to be with them for birthdays, Grandparents Day at their school, and other special moments. When she couldn’t be there in person, she never missed a chance to celebrate them with thoughtful calls, messages, and gifts. Her love was constant, her support unwavering, and her presence will be forever cherished in the hearts of her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Elka also loved being a wife and partner in adventure. Life with her husband was full of excitement - travel, new experiences, and lots of laughter. There was never a dull moment. They danced whenever they had the chance, whether at a big event or just in the living room. From building a life together to traveling and sharing everyday joys, Elka faced it all with patience and steadfast devotion - always ready to go along for the ride no matter what, faithfully standing by her husband’s side through every twist and turn.

She will be remembered most for her boundless compassion and selflessness. She touched countless lives with her warmth, grace, and quiet strength, and leaves behind a legacy of love that will endure for generations.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Jaross; her children and their spouses, Andrew and Erika Jaross, Kenneth and Lourdes Jaross, Lori and Matthew Robinson, and Maria Jaross; and by her grandchildren, Julia, Ashley, Sidney, Ari, Elyssa, Zeb, and Ziva Jaross, and Campbell and Elizabeth Robinson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and her husband, Susan and Jed Castelbaum; by her niece and nephews, Mara, Josh, and Adam, along with their families; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

Elka was preceded in death by her son, Jerome David Jaross, and by her brothers, Abe and Melvin Menkin.

Graveside services will be held at eleven o' clock in the morning on Monday, the 21st of July 2025 at the Hebrew Cemetery, located at the corner of 2nd and E. Madison Streets in Brownsville.

Immediately following, there will be a celebration of Elka’s life.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Elka’s memory to Hadassah (hadassah.org/donate), Camille Lightner Playhouse, (956) 542-8900 (camilleplayhouse.net), or the Pan American Roundtable, Brownsville Chapter (partt.org).

May Elka rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may her light continue to shine through the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Memories of Elka may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.