Richard F. “Dick” Ross, 95, of Fountain City, passed away on Saturday, March 20, at Reid Health.
Dick was born on May 4, 1925, near Fountain City, Indiana to Jesse Wilbur & Ethel Bell Imel Ross. He was a 1943 graduate of Fountain City High School. He was a US Army veteran of World War Two. He served in the European Theatre with the 71st Infantry Division and participated in the campaigns to liberate the Rhineland and Central Europe. The 71st Division went on to liberate Gunskirchen, a concentration camp in Austria. Staff Sergeant Ross returned to the US in late May, 1945 and was honorably discharged on June 12, 1946.
Dick married the former Marjorie Balser on June 1, 1951. They were blessed with three children before her death in September 1970. Dick worked at Belden before opening a Texaco service station in Fountain City in 1958. He later opened a Texaco station at US 27 and Interstate 70. Prior to retirement, he designed and built products for Richmond Combined Enterprises.
Dick held a Private Pilots License for several years. He also enjoyed antiquing with his companion of nearly 40 years, Rhea Martin.
Dick will be missed by his daughter, Mary Jane Ross; sons & daughters-in-law, Robert & Anne Marie Ross and Philip & Carol Ross; 2 granddaughters, Madeline Ross and Monique Ross and one sister, Imogene Snarr.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 19 years, Marjorie Ross, in 1970; companion of 40 years, Rhea Martin, in 2017; and sister, Madonna Matherly, in 2017.
Private interment will be conducted in Willow Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithmcquistonwebster.com .