Robert "Bob" Ross

Bob Ross passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in Roswell, NM at the age of 94. Bob was born in Willow Oklahoma July 17, 1917 to Jesse Dee Ross and Lucy Kate Robertson Ross. He lived his early life in Texas with siblings Troy, Mozelle (Allsup), Inez (Gipson), Nita (Scott), Velma Dee (Reagan) and graduated from Crosbyton HS in 1939 where he excelled in football. Bob married Robbie Nell Binkley Ross of Littlefield, TX in 1940. They were blessed with four sons. Bob moved his family to Santa Rosa, NM in 1953, he ran a bread route and became a Gospel minister, preaching for the Church of Christ. Bob dedicated his life to raising his boys, providing bread for the table and delivering “the bread of life”. He preached in Santa Rosa, Tucumcari and Alamosa, CO. Bob had a passion for teaching and preaching with great command of scripture and a deep love for the Lord. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Robbie Nell, his first son Robert Keith and step-son Morris Butts. Bob is survived by his wife of 20 years, Ella Gray Butts Ross of Roswell, his sister Velma Dee Ross Reagan of Richardson, TX. Daughter in law Maria Elena Chavez Ross Will and husband Len of Santa Rosa, Sons Tom and wife Charlotte of Katy, TX, Mike and wife Celeste of Friendswood, TX, Jim and wife Glenda of Minco, OK, Bill and Roxanne Butts of Capitan, NM and Becky Butts of Farmington, NM. Bob leaves a great blessing of grandchildren Shannon Ross Rowe, Keith Robertson Ross, Crystal Dee Ross Silva, Kim Ross Mikeska, Jenifer Ross Palomar, Doug Ross, Greg Ross, Sonia Dee Ross Fisher, Jon Ross, Lucas Ross, Jamie Ross Reed, and Marcus Ross. Bob’s legacy of love for family includes 25 great grandchildren. Friends are cordially invited to offer condolences to Ella Gray at her home at Peachtree Village, Country Club Rd., Roswell. Grandchildren, Doug Ross, Greg Ross, Jon Ross, Lucas Ross, Dan Rowe and Joey Silva will serve as pall bearers for the funeral set for 11:00AM, Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the Church of Christ in Santa Rosa. Son Jim Ross and Grandson Keith Ross will officiate the funeral. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery and Sons Tom and Mike Ross will officiate the graveside service. All services for Mr. Ross have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 575 472-3369. To place an online condolence please visit our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.