1/10/1930-10/11/2019
Donald Lee Ross, Age 89, of Sun City CA, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on Friday October 11, 2019, after and 8-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Donald Lee was born January 10, 1930 to Dale and Naomi Ross in Richmond, IN. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1949. He then went on to enlist in the United States Army assigned to the 45th Infantry Division from 1952-1954 at which time he served in the Korean War.
Donald Lee married Barbara Marie Beck in Elwood, IN on September 10, 1955. They had 4 children together. He worked construction with his father under the business name, Donald L. Ross Builder.
In the summer of 1978, he moved his wife and 4 children to Palm Springs, CA where he secured a job at the California Youth Authority in Chino, CA and retired from there in 2000. He was also a member of the Palm Springs Elks Club for many years. After his retirement, he and his wife, Barbara retired in Sun City, CA. During his retired years, Donald Lee, became a member of the United Church of Christ in Sun City, CA, where he was on the Board of Directors for many years, holding multiple positions up to and including Moderator. In addition, he enjoyed bike-riding, carpentry; bowling, painting, and spending his time at the field watching his grandchildren play in various sports such as football, baseball and cheerleading. One season he even enjoyed coaching his youngest grandson’s baseball team.
Donald Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Naomi Ross, his brother Robert, and two of his granddaughters, Trisha and Allison.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Beck) Ross. 4 Children, Craig Ross and spouse, Johnny, of Hemet, CA. Todd Ross- of Sun City, CA, Stacia Ross of Sun City, CA and Amy Ross Frahn and spouse, Jason, of Menifee, CA.
Five Grandchildren- Arlena Madrigal, Andrew Ross and spouse Kristy, Ryan Madrigal, Christian Frahn and spouse Summer, and Elizabeth Frahn
Three great grandchildren- Aiden Madrigal, Leland Solano and Ava Madrigal.
One Sister Donna Ross Dearing and spouse, David of Richmond IN.
Donald Lee will forever be remembered and loved for his funny sense of humor, his love of Frank Sinatra, Notre Dame Football, and his commitment to protecting and caring for his family and close friends. He will be loved and missed so very much by everyone whose lives he touched.
In the words of Donald Lee, “Be Still”
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