Robert Ross

Robert L. Ross, 87, of Colby, died Friday, June 6, 2014 at the Prairie Senior Living Complex.

He was a quiet man, kind and generous, loyal to his friends and his family. He took many road trips to attend family events from weddings to birthdays and loved being with "the Ross girls", his five sisters and their families. As a father he was always there - at a program, a graduation or the end of a long drive home.

He read voraciously and could figure anything out and then fix it. Robert loved growing things and had a large garden filled with Iris, Peonies, Agapanthas and more. He had a large grape crop each year and made then gave away jars of both grape juice and jelly.

He was born July 1, 1926 to Guy and Jean (Miller) Ross in Oberlin. He attended Bonner Springs High School and graduated in 1945. He married Verna Jean Hansen on December 28, 1955 in Colby and has lived in Colby since. He was a civil engineer for McKee and Associates for over 20 years.

In the mid 80's he met Marie Zimmerman and added an enjoyment of dancing to their lives of family, gardening and travel.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jean; his parents Jean and Guy Ross, his sister, Ellen Harrington; his brother, Guy Ross and his longtime companion, Marie Zimmerman.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy Ross and husband Mark Shelton of Dallas, TX; his son Alan Ross and wife Phyllis Gunn of Boulder, CO; two grandchildren, Aren and Janelle; and four sisters, Frances Simkins, Rosie O’Neil, Anice Nixon and Virginia Toohey.

Visitation will be 5-7:00p.m., Monday, June 9, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral service will be 2:00p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary and burial will follow in the Beulah Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Pioneer Memorial Library in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com