Feb 24, 2018

Warning: getimagesize(): Filename cannot be empty in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 139

Warning: Division by zero in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 142

Wirt C. Ross, 85, of LaBelle, formerly of Fort Myers, Fla., a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandfather, who will be greatly missed by all, died Thursday, February 15, 2018. He was better known as “Ross” to many.

He was born July 18, 1932, in Erie.

Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Jane Ross; stepdaughter Rebecca Lynn “Meyerink”; and sister Judith Ross Honderich.

He was a son of Wirt F. Ross and Jane Walesiak.

Mr. Ross had lived in Harborcreek, until the age of 17. He loved fishing as a teenager and consistently brought in stringers of blue pike, bass and perch to his family and friends. At Harbor Creek High School, he excelled in sports, especially football, where he was selected to several all-star football teams as a guard. He graduated from Erie’s East High School and joined the U.S. Army in 1949. He served in the Korean War as a combat engineer primarily clearing minefields. He attained the rank of technical sergeant and was awarded several medals including the bronze star. He completed two tours of duty in the army.

After his discharge from the Army in 1953, he worked for General Electric in Erie as a locomotive quality control inspector until he and his wife retired to Fort Myers.

Left to cherish his memory are stepchildren, whom he loved as his own, Cindy Dziuba of Warren, Renee Walmsley Maines (Thomas) of LaBelle, Shannon Hannah Jr. (Stacy) of Waterford and Jennie Hannah of Erie; brothers James Ross (Harriet) of Mt. Lebanon, Larry Ross (Patricia) of New Holland and the late Judith Ross Honderich (Kenneth) of Chicago, Ill.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two of whom he and his wife raised until the age of five, two very special little girls, Jaimie and Kendra. In total, there are 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The last four years of his life, he lived with his daughter, Renée, and her family. He truly enjoyed his time there with his two grandchildren, Johnny and Lucy. The days were filled with family, love and lots of hugs and kisses. He also enjoyed sitting in his chair looking out his window and watching all the wildlife. Every day deer would come to eat, birds would come chirp at his window and wild turkeys would come and flock outside his window. He enjoyed playing games with his grandchildren and watching movies and saying “I love you” every chance he had.

Mr. Ross, as well as the family, felt very blessed to have the time they did with each other. The memories made will be cherished forever. “Thanks for the memories, Ross, we love you more.”

Arrangements are by Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes.