Russell Ross
Russell Ross, age 87, formerly of Somersville, died unexpectedly Thursday, January 31, 2013 at his home in Bellefontaine. He was born December 7, 1925 in West Liberty, Kentucky to the late William Fred and Eva (Hoverton) Ross.
On October 8, 1955 he married the former Vida Jean Parthemore in West Liberty and she died December 7, 2009. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Mitchell and Homer Ross; step-children, Arthur Fields, Beverly Slonecker, Larry Fields and Barbara Brady; and special friend, Dorothy Dever.
He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during World War II. He worked in the auto wrecking and used cars business, starting Ross Auto Wrecking in Richwood, which later became Kirby Auto Parts, and Ross Used Cars in Somersville. A member of the Trotting and Pacing International Association, he loved to race ponies and play cards.
He is survived by his step-children, Charles “Chuck” Fields, Somersville; Sharon (Emerson) Young, Zephyr Hills, Florida; nephews, Mitchell (Anna) Ross, Richwood; Randy (Melanie) Ross, Marion; Scott (Tina) Hamilton, Richwood; daughter-in-law, Monica Fields, West Mansfield; son-in-law, Dave Slonecker, Richwood; 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Evelyn (Kenneth) Preston, Richwood; brother-in-law, Raymond (Nellie) Grandstaff, Apple Valley; and many nieces and nephews. He was well cared-for by family members Debra Slonecker, Sabra Larry and Sharon Young.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood with Pastor Willis Moe officiating. Burial will follow in Claibourne Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Richwood Area Veterans. Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 PM.
A memorial racing tribute will also be held at the Sunshine Raceway in Dade City, Florida on Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 PM.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center, 420 N James Rd., Columbus, OH 43219.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home