Larry Lee Ross

Larry Lee Ross, 77 years young, left this earthly place for greener pastures on November 22, 2023. Larry was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, in March of 1946. He was the second of four children, born to Don and Wilma, raised on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his eldest brother, David and eldest grandson, Christopher Ross.
Larry spent his childhood doing what all farm kids do, playing outside, doing chores, and tormenting his siblings. Oh, the stories they could tell! He grew up in the local Methodist church, was a proud member to the boy scouts in his early years. He learned to operate machinery on the family farm and outside work in his teenage years.
Larry met Loretta in Washington, while stationed at the Yakima Firing center in the late 60's, got married, and went off to Vietnam to serve his tour. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, he and Loretta added two more kids to the family. In the early 80's the family moved out west to Yakima.
Larry and his brother-in-law, John Hester Jr., started a business in the old Orchard Master building, doing custom metal and machine shop work. Larry was a farmer, heavy machine operator, custom hay service, machinist, and really a jack of all trades. He could fix just about anything and many people in the area would bring him equipment to work on. Larry spent the 20+ years with the Yakima County Public Works Department, running "yellow iron" at the Terrace Heights Landfill.
Larry had a passion for riding horses and living a cowboy life. He often would be found on his horse, either riding Pine Mountain or in Conrad Meadows, pushing the cattle around for the Herke's. He was at peace in the high country, breathing the clean air, and spending time with like-minded friends. Larry was an active member of the Backcountry Horseman Association, he lived by the "Leave no Trace" motto. He taught himself how to play the harmonica and old mouth harp to pass the time.
Larry is survived by his wife, Loretta, eldest son, Mike, daughter, Michelle (Mike) Rose, and youngest son, Steven, a sister, Linda (John) Puskarich of Marianna, PA, his youngest brother, Dale (Patty) Ross of Coal Center, PA, grandkids, Max, Allyssa (James) and Cameron (McKenna), great-granddaughter, Lacey Mae, numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
No formal services are planned, as he did not want to be in the spotlight.
A poem, by PT Muldoon
Someday when life's runs over
and my old saddle sits alone
As we gather for last goodbye
Tie em rearward heading home
Pick a horse that I would saddle
In a place where roots run deep
Lace my boots up in the stirrups
Before you lay me down to sleep
Lead me off to sounds of pipers
Play old songs to mark that way
Put my ashes in my best boots
And ride with me one more day
Send me off as kings and warriors
Aboard bold ponies no one rides
Then please send me to Valhalla
From these sacred countrysides
For old cowhands and old poets
As they take their last good run
Aboard a horse without his rider
Heading west neath setting sun
Until we meet again in the wild blue yonder. Ride on cowboy, ride on.
Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.
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