John Theodore Ross

John wrote his own Obituary so he could communicate his final message in his own words.

John Ross left his body October 15, 2025.

John loved his wife Janie dearly. He believed his marriage with Janie and his relationship with his three children, Matt, Jay and Erin (and his son-in-law Steve and daughter-in-law Julie) were the greatest spiritual gifts of his life. He adored his five grandchildren: Kate, Caleb, Andrew, Cole and Cade. And let's not forget his three sisters: Lisa, Margaret and Mary (and their husbands Steve & Jerry!). As a big brother, John took his responsibilities to look out after his sisters seriously! And he sends a loving goodbye to John and Jeanise. Side note: Ellie, John says you are very special and he will miss you.

John particularly loved working with and for the benefit of children. He truly believed that God is hard-wired into every human. And that children are more aware of and tied to that spiritual connection. As he leaves this world, John asks that all of us truly commit to how we value and treat children. It is our job to protect and nurture those young souls, especially as they face such a challenging future.

John believed that we are here to help make this world a better place. John saw, and felt, the pain of the world. He mourned the genocide in Gaza and daily bombing of Ukraine. He was terribly saddened (and angry) to see the abject cruelty of the Trump Administration, particularly regarding its actions impacting immigrants seeking a better life. And most of all, he thought the world's turning away from Climate Change action was a horrible mistake, a mistake that will haunt our children and grandchildren for generations to come.

John lived his life believing that he was (as are all of us) born with specific lessons to learn. He hoped he had learned those lessons. At the end he expressed that his had been a life worth living filled with the blessings that only love can provide.

John requests that if you want to continue his legacy that you consider donating to the non-profit organization he was closely involved with, Talking Talons Youth Leadership: www.talkingtalons.org