Richard William Ross
At 1430 hours on Feb. 1, 2025, God conducted roll call, and when Richard William Ross’s name was shouted, Dad responded “Here I am, LORD!” God then said, “Well done, Richard, good and faithful servant. Enter into my joys, now and forevermore.”
Richard W. Ross, born in Middletown, Ohio on Aug. 28, 1933, was the only son of Heber and Evelyn Ross. He was 91 years old when God called him unto Himself, and he died peacefully, surrounded by his two sons and their wives.
Dad is preceded in death by Mom, Loretta Mae (Weil) Ross, the love of his life to whom he was married for 62 years.
In addition to his two sons and their wives, David and Terry (Nicholson), and Stephen and Ann (Thomas), Dad is survived by many who dearly loved him, including but not limited to: nine grandchildren (spouses), Jen (Matt) Rylski, Chris (Bobbie Joe) Ross, Ben (Jodi) Ross, Shannon Ross, Joshua (Julie) Brown, Patrice Brown, Chad (Kendall) Brown, Justin (Letty) Salgado, and Shelly (Adam) Corrough; 12 great grand-children, Luke, Taylor, Henry, Kaycee, Fallon (Ross); Ethan, Alexander, Oliver (Brown); Ariel, Angelina (Salgado); and Colton, Hunter (Corrough); and two great-great-grandchildren, Braxton and Cooper (Ross).
In 1952, Richard Ross started a life-long career in the rail transport industry, beginning with Southern Pacific Railroad. Richard worked as a railroad agent for San Manuel Arizona Railroad Company (SMARRCO), where he tracked the copper that his employer (Magma Copper Company and BHP) shipped from San Manuel’s smelter to industries throughout the world. He also worked for Magma as a timekeeper and accountant, and was a bookkeeper for many businesses in San Manuel, Arizona.
Richard was a gifted musician. He played the clarinet at Tucson High School, University of Arizona, and in jazz bands. At a young age he also played piano for recitals and during offertories at Tucson’s First Baptist Church.
Dad was raised by Christian parents, and as a boy he openly professed his faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout his life he served in music ministry, pulpit evangelism, and church administration. He led church choirs, directed congregational singing, and served on deacon and leadership boards for many churches throughout Oracle, San Manuel, Mammoth, Kearny, Tucson and Rancho Vistoso.
Dad’s memorial service will be held in the chapel of Evergreen Mortuary at 1 p.m. on Feb. 27. Interment immediately follows with a private gathering.
We kindly request no flowers be gifted in Dad’s remembrance. Instead, we suggest honoring Richard Ross’s memory with a donation to your favorite charity, or to Dr. David Jeremiah’s Turning Point Ministries (www.davidjeremiah.org), or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY (www.evergreenmortuary-cemetery.com)