Mesa, Arizona
Farnsworth, Ross Nash Sr.
passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 2, 2013 at age 81. Ross was born on December 6, 1931 in Mesa, Arizona to Joseph and Annie Nash Farnsworth. Ross had 4 siblings who all preceded him in death: J.A. Jr., Florence, Henrietta, Alfred, and Richard. He loved growing up in small town Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School. He received his bachelor's and master's degree from Arizona State University. Ross served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central States which set the course for the rest of his life. In 1954, he married his beloved Anita Cox and they were blessed to have 12 children: Beth Coons (Chad), Ross Farnsworth Jr. (Lori), Julie Ashby (Fred), Joe Farnsworth (Sharanette), Amy Ahlstrom (Craig), Janet Turk (Terry), Bonnie Shill (Mark), Ruth Collins (Dave), Carol Tingey (Mike), Sherri Gurr (Kevan), Tom Farnsworth (Melissa), Jill Geigle (Jeremy). Ross was a land developer in the East Valley, particularly developing retirement communities such as Dreamland Villa, Sunland Village, Sunland Village East, and Sunland Springs Village. He also began several other companies in the Valley. Because of his love for Mesa and its people, Ross gave generously of his time and resources to make it better. He served on the Mesa City Council, was the founder of the La Mesita Homeless Shelter for families, worked tirelessly with United Way and the YMCA, and many other community organizations. Ross's greatest happiness was found with his wife, 12 children, 63 grandchildren, and 67 great-grandchildren. He knew each one of them well and they all adored their Papa. Ross's life was worn out in the service of his God, his family, and the community that he loved. A viewing will be held Friday March 8 from 6-8 PM at the Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E. Brown Rd. Funeral services are Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation from 10-10:45 AM at the Red Mountain Institute of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7126 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Mesa United Way, 137 E University, Mesa, AZ or the Church of Jesus Christ Missionary Fund at 15 E. South Temple, 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel
Brother Farnsworth (and Anita) serviced, loved and inspired many people – including us. He taught his children, grand children and great grandchildren to do the same. His influence and tradition will carry on. We are grateful to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Daniel & Yaneth Segura and family
Daniel M. Segura
March 09, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
Our love to the whole Farnsworth family. What a moment to celebrate the life of Ross Farnsworth, who was such a powerful example of a disciple of Christ. He loved the Lord, his family, and the special community of Mesa. We love the Farnsworth family, and our thoughts and prayers are always with you. -Elmer & Amy Heap
Elmer Heap
March 09, 2013 | La Jolla, CA
Dear Anita and the entire Farnsworth Family.
My condolences to you all. Ross Farnsworth was a GIANT of a man. I will always remember the days I visited with him while he was helping us to raise money for the new YMCA in the community that he loved so much. We spent most of the time talking about: Family, the Church, Politics, ASU football, BYU football as well as who could help us raise the necessary funds for the project. He touched so many lives through his work with so many...
March 08, 2013
We knew Ross through our mutual membership at Mesa Country Club. He was always a gentleman. It was a privelege to know him as well as some of his family members.(Ross Jr.) We offer our sympathy to the Farnsworth family. His accomplishments and successes on this earth were many, but nothing compared to what he will embrace in his eternal life. He was a good man!!!
William & Rebecca Buehl
March 08, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
Ross Farnsworth, his life, his family and his priorities have always been an inspiration. It has been a privilege to work with him and his family through these many years.
Brandt Seegmiller
March 07, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
He was a huge influence in my life as a young man growing up. I am now a father teaching my children the same important lessons.
Art Hernandez
March 07, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
When I get to heaven, Ross will greet me by saying, "Go out and knock." I love this man who exemplified kindness, compassion, generosity, and humility. My love to him and to all the Farnsworth family.
ryan riggs
March 07, 2013 | Highland, UT
Growing up across the street I was influenced by this great man. He was like a 2nd father to us and always had great love and wisdom.
Rebecca (Riggs) Tingey
March 06, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
our deepest condolences to the Farnsworth family brother ross was so giving and kind and a great example to our family thanks forever
Arthur and tone Hernandez
March 06, 2013 | Mesa, AZ
