Richard Ross

Richard Ross, age 88 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 12:30 P.M. at his home. Richard was born February 24, 1936 at the family home in the Bloomfield community in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of John D. “Buck” Ross and Inez (Haden) Ross. On July 12, 1958, Richard was united in marriage to Evelyn Fairless at the First Baptist Church in Vienna. She preceded him in death on December 7, 2017. Richard is survived by: his children – Mike (his wife, Christine) Ross of Vienna, Mitch (his wife, Linda) Ross of Vienna, Marshell (his wife, Jennie) Ross of Simpson, and Mona (her husband, Mike) Reeder of Vienna; grandchildren – Alex (his wife, Kirsten) Ross, Nathaniel (his wife, Maddie) Ross, Gabriel Ross, Josh (his wife, Jeri) Ross, Natasha (Luke McCowan) Ross, Savanna (her husband, Garrett Craddock) Ross, Marissa (Aaron Taylor) Ross, Amber (Matt Jennings) Smith, Fayth (Jesse Mouser) Smith, Ryan Reeder, Randy Reeder, and Rebecca (her husband, Wyatt) Robinson; great grandchildren – Kora, Evelyn Nolan, Eli, Emersyn, Jhett, Jace, Jax, Bryley, Dyer, Emma, Everlee, and Marshell; sisters – Barbara Ackmann of Buncombe and Louise Thomas of Simpson; brothers – Lowell Ross of Simpson and Jim (his wife, Kay) Ross of Vienna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents & wife, Richard was preceded in death by a sister – Ruth Sampson. Richard was a graduate of Vienna High School. Following graduation, he enrolled in a carpenter’s training program and served an apprenticeship. Richard was employed as a carpenter at the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna for 32 years, prior to his retirement. He also worked as a carpenter for Tom Anderson construction and was a member of the Carpenters union. Richard was also a lifelong farmer and member of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. Richard served from 1972 – 2015 as a member of the Cypress Grade School Board of Education. He was an avid outdoorsman. Richard enjoyed fishing and hunting, particularly coon hunting. He also enjoyed riding over his farm and checking on his cattle. Richard was of the Christian faith. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, August 18, 2024, at 2 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Scott Harner will officiate. Burial will be in the Church of God Cemetery, north of Cypress. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Cypress Church of God Cemetery, c/o Lonnie and Judy Dunn, 460 State Route 37 North, Buncombe, Illinois 62912. To share a memory of Richard or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Richard Ross

February 24, 1936 - August 13, 2024