Obituary of Robert Clare Ross

Robert Clare Ross, born April 19, 1950, reached the "End of the Trail" Saturday, August 29, at the age 70. No longer will the sounds of cowboy westerns, old war movies, or B-grade science fiction shows echo through the house. We will surely miss him sitting at the end of the kitchen bar, sipping on a Jim Beam concoction, reminiscing on his antics as a younger man or his love of farming (especially sugar beet harvest or extolling the supremacy of John Deere tractors), or telling the corniest jokes delivered through his unique story-telling style and ending with his infectious laugh. Even in his last moments, he found the energy to entertain us and the nurses with his joke on the chicken blood theory. Also known affectionately as "Pinky", Rob was quite the cook and made the best damn grilled cheese in the country. Rob left us with a plethora of stories through which he will be remembered for generations to come. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Caroline; daughters, Diana Deese and Deb Priest; grandchildren, Emily, Sean and Jessica; and great-granddaughter, McKayla. Also surviving are his siblings, Kathy (Jim) Johnson, Tom (Vickie) Ross, Laura Lee (Bruce) Harrier; sister-in-law, Betty (Jerry) Ross; as well as many nieces, nephews, and his trusty sidekick...his dog, Raven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Gerald Ross; his older brother, Jerry Ross; and Bear, his former trusty sidekick. The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sahay and the staff at Mid-Michigan Oncology for their exemplary and compassionate patient care. Family members request in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Rob's name to MidMichigan Medical Center-Cancer Center, 4851 E. Pickard, Suite 2000, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Rob was strong in his faith and a devout member of Faith Lutheran Church. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Pastor Mike Biedenbender will officiate. Social distancing and masks will be required. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan. All sympathy store items must be sent to the family home.