Ross Herbert Ehlinger

(June 29, 1966-March 3, 2013)

Ross Herbert Ehlinger, beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach and sports enthusiast, went to join his Heavenly Father on March 3 while visiting San Francisco. With his ready smile and unwavering work ethic, Ross was a successful trial lawyer for more than 20 years who fought for the underdog. Tough but fair, he was deeply respected by his peers and had recently been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates. While gratified by professional success, his world revolved around his wife and children.

Born in San Antonio to Herbert and Vivian, Ross was forever the "little brother" to Steve and Dan. Despite being the baby of the family, everyone looked to him for strength, wisdom, unwavering optimism, and steady moral compass. Throughout his life, he often found himself a leader not because he liked to be in charge, but because others wanted it so. People leaned in when he spoke, waiting to hear his opinion.

After graduating from San Antonio Churchill High School, Ross earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the prestigious Silver Spurs service organization. During his sophomore year, Ross met the love of his life, Jena Cissel of Houston. They were instantly inseparable and began planning their future. After graduating from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Ross and Jena married in 1993. They were blessed with three amazing children: Samuel George Ehlinger, 14; Jacob McAdams Ehlinger, 12; and Morgen Adeline Ehlinger, 9.

It's hard to imagine a prouder father. Ross took an enthusiastic role in his kids' lives, coaching youth baseball, basketball, lacrosse and football. Whether cheering from the sidelines of Morgen's basketball games or serving the last two years as president of Westlake Pop Warner Football where Sam and Jake both excelled, Ross spent thousands of hours supporting the dreams of his own children and countless others. He never missed an opportunity to stop and talk to a player, lifting them up with an attaboy. His words of encouragement will impact many young people in ways yet unknown.

His love of sports, travel, and adventure was infectious. Ross's twinkling blue eyes never shined brighter than when talking about Jena and the kids. Well traveled and worldly, he still preferred his cowboy boots and pickup. He was a genuine and straightforward communicator, whether talking to old friends or a judge and jury. A standout football player in high school, Ross remained committed to an active lifestyle and had completed several marathons, triathlons worldwide, and Half-Ironmans. God called Ross to Heaven doing what he loved as he competed in the swim portion of the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon. Ross Ehlinger is survived by his wife, children, parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. The Ehlingers' home is a regular gathering spot for all of these beloved people, and Ross could often be found outside watching the kids play basketball in the driveway or throw a football around the yard. We know Ross will continue to watch over them, in every game they play and adventure they pursue.

Ross would ask that you honor a life well loved. Spend time with your children, love your wife, respect your husband, share your faith, lead with courage and compassion, walk in truth, forgive freely, and always look for the joy. In lieu of flowers, please donate to "The Ross Ehlinger Athletic Scholarship Fund". The fund will benefit athletic-based college or camp scholorships for Austin, underpriviledged youth. Checks can be made out to Jamil Alam with a reference to the fund in the memo, and dropped off at any Chase Bank location. A permanent fund in Ross' name will be solidified once legal documents are filed. Reference numbers for the account are 478128921 ABA# 021 000 021.