Earl Ray Ross

Earl was born June 15, 1938, in Dodge City, Kansas. He lived on a farm in Meade Kansas where he worked with his parents as well as at their Mobile Station. In high school, he enjoyed playing football and later in life, enjoyed watching his grandsons play football and other sports. Earl graduated from Meade High School in 1956 and attended Kansas State University from 1956-1957. He graduated from Emporia State Teachers College in 1961 and received his master's degree in 1970. Earl married Lucille Westbrook June 11, 1960, they later divorced. Earl spent the last 6 months having a grand time with Lucille, reminiscing and going out for lunch several times a week. Earl passed away September 11, 2023, doing what he loved, walking his dog, Molly.

Earl got his first teaching job at East Topeka Junior High School (USD 501) in 1961 where he taught math and science. In 1967 he took a teaching job at Northern Hills Junior High School (USD 345) where he taught math, science, was the guidance counselor, and even drove a school bus for several years. Earl retired from the Seaman School District as the Director of Maintenance. Earl also worked at Goodyear for 2 summers. He taught math to Goodyear men at night for several years at Kaw Area Vo-tech School. Earl really loved working with kids at the school and obviously was able to make a difference in many lives. Many times we have had former students tell us they don't know what they would have done if he wouldn't have helped them.

Earl enjoyed many things and was good at most of them. He absolutely loved helping his friends with projects, rebuilding VW's, putting an addition on a house, fishing, camping, and hunting, gardening, yard work, the list is endless. One of his greatest loves was his doggie companions. Earl was able to travel to many places and eat a lot of good steak along the way. He lived a winter in Arizona to help Eric by painting his house, while Eric was working in Indonesia. Earl helped fix all of Rena's "stunts" when she wrecked her vehicle or needed help with her house. Earl liked to give lots of advice to Alan to make sure he could fix "whatever the subject was" correctly. He took his family to Colorado for many summers to work at his sister's resort. There were many spring break trips to fish at Roaring River. Earl had a good life.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl, and Margaret Ross. A stillborn brother Robert and a sister Marilyn Faye Ross VanHooser in 1976. Earl leaves behind a longtime companion, Karen Lusebrink who resides in Osawatomie. Daughter, Rena Ross Carmona (Mike) and their two sons Thomas and Matthew. Son, Eric Ross (Amy) and his daughters Castilleja and Mariska. Son, Alan Ross (Lisa) and his son Calysto.

The family requests memorial donations to Meals on Wheels Jefferson County (Midland Care Connection), Helping Hands Humane Society or Jefferson County Home Health & Hospice.

Graveside service will be at Rochester Cemetery on October 21st at 1:30 pm. Casual dress.