Ayrika Nichole Ross

Ayrika Nichole Ross - age 22 of Independence, MO and formerly of Polo, MO passed away Friday morning, July 12, 2024, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, MO from injuries sustained in a car accident. Ayrika was born on October 1, 2001, in Kansas City, MO. She was the daughter of Steve Holt and Valerie Pruessner. Ayrika grew up in Polo and was a 2020 graduate of Polo High School, where she enjoyed wrestling. Ayrika was affectionately known by her family as Ed and Edward when she was in trouble. Ayrika worked at Bayer in Kansas City and developed many relationships there. She was a hard worker.  She loved music and was a big fan of Tom Petty. Ayrika was strong willed and independent. She was also sweet and funny. Ayrika loved anything outside; from fishing and swimming to mushroom hunting and cutting wood. She cherished time with family, especially her nieces and nephews.  Ayrika was always willing to go out of her way to help family and friends.  Ayrika will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

Ayrika was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Gin and Wyatt Pruessner and Lucille and Paul Padget. She is survived by her grandparents, Jerry and Sheila Pruessner of Lake of the Ozarks; parents, Steve Holt and Valerie Pruessner of Polo; siblings: Austin Holt of Polo, MO, Alisha Ross of Polo, Ashley Ross of Richmond, Rob Holt (Natalee) of Grovetown, GA; nieces and nephews: Jayden and Tyler Holt, Khloe and Oscar Stinnett, Chevayah and Raiden Darnell, River and Creed Hern; boyfriend, McGwire Cavanaugh of Independence; uncles and aunts: Jerry Pruessner, Jr., Angie (Charles) Wallace of Bloomfield, IA, Pat and Rick Holmes of Washington, David and Judy Holt of Polo; other extended family members and many friends also survive.  
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Ayrika's life will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Wednesday evening, also at the funeral home. Friends may call after 11 AM, Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Prairie Ridge Cemetery, west of Polo.  Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ayrika Nichole Ross, please visit our floral store.