Donald Leonard Ross Sr.

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Donald Leonard Ross, Sr. age 92, died as he lived—with courage and grace and wit. He was surrounded by his family, who loved him with the same tenacity with which he loved them. Don returned to his Creator and reunited with his beloved Thelma, on Thursday, October 12. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, loyalty to friends, faith in Jesus, and love for every person he knew. Don enjoyed a varied career, but at his core he was a salesman. He honed his gift for building relationships over nearly 30 years with Bethlehem Steel Corporation, but discovered a higher purpose in ministering to the teenage friends of his 6 kids. From hosting Young Life Clubs in their home to driving a bus full of high school hockey players to building houses for families in Mexico and singing in the lodge at Camp Akita—Don relished every moment he spent with kids. But of all the kids in his life, none meant more to him than his own 6 and the 10 grandchildren they gave him. Raising six kids across four decades and 14 homes, his sacrifices were countless. Through it all, he and his wife of 62 years, Thelma, kept their marriage strong and never lost their sense of humor. Don was born on January 31, 1931, raised in Norwood, Mass and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. He served proudly as a “Seabee” in the Navy during the Korean War. He was an active member of First Community Church where he served as a Deacon, Board member, youth leader, and church bus driver. Don’s faith deepened when he made Cursillo/Cum Cristo Weekend #46 and participated in small groups until his passing. He and Thelma both spent their final days at Worthington Christian Village where the love of God is expressed and received every day. He is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; parents Robert and Alena Ross; brothers David, Kenneth, and Douglas Ross and sister Betsy Ross Bartemus. Survived by children Nancy R. (Robert, dec’d) Sullivan, of Worthington, OH, Susan E. (Joseph) Brady, of Huntington, PA, Jayne M. (Brad) Ward, of Upper Arlington, Donald L. (Joni) Ross, Jr. of Upper Arlington, Rev. Dr. John F. (Sheila) Ross, Excelsior, MN, Amy (Ray) Starkey, of Upper Arlington; and 10 grandchildren: Katie, Brady, Carly (Kory), Judith (Daniel), Sydney (fiancé Quin), Madeleine, Olivia, Mason, Anne Marie, Logan. Family will receive friends from 4-7 pm on Friday, October 20 and gather for a celebration of Don’s life at 10 am on Saturday, October 21. Both events at First Community Church, North Campus, 3777 Dublin Rd., Hilliard, OH, 43221. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to give to Worthington Christian Village or to a charity of their choice in Don’s honor.