John S. Ross

John S. Ross of Jackson, Ohio and Yuma, Arizona passed away at 7:55 am on February 26, 2014, at Otterbein- Cridersville after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. John was born April 1, 1932 in Williamsburg, Ohio to the late Russell and Leona (Doyle) Ross. On August 5, 1957 he married Dorothy Lea Alexander who preceded him in death. They were married 53 years. John served in the United States Navy from 1951-1954. He was aboard the USS Hobson DMS -26 when it was accidentally hit and sunk by US Navy Carrier Wasp CV-18 at night in the North Atlantic Ocean. John was one of 61 survivors from that shipwreck. John retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol as Chief Radio Technician at the Jackson, Ohio post after 30 years of service. Additionally, John and wife Dorothy were the proud owner-operators of Rozetti’s Pizza in Jackson, Ohio for many years. John enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling the country on his Honda Goldwing with Dorothy. Together they rode their motorcycle in all 50 states and most of Canada. He was a longtime member of the Honda Goldwing Riders Association. John was also a lifelong amateur radio operator, woodworker, and in his later years, created wooden pens for friends and family members. John and Dorothy lived most of their retirement years in Yuma, Arizona in the foothills where they made many friends. John is survived by two daughters Robin Greene of Vandalia and Becky (Brian) Smith of Lima and son Ron (Barb) Ross of Orange Park , Florida. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and one great grandchild. John is also survived by 3 sisters Eileen Blessing (Columbus), Liz (Carey) Alexander (Dayton), and Janice Ferguson (Hillsboro), and one brother Tom Ross (Hillsboro) and numerous nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Medical Center Development Fund (stritas.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).

John S. Ross

April 1, 1932 - February 26, 2014