Ross M. Babbitt

Ross McCall Babbitt, age 85, of Pineville, Missouri, a cherished pillar of McDonald County, departed this life peacefully on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia. He entered this life on July 5, 1940, in Edwards, Missouri, one of three sons born to the union of the late Edgar Hugh and Ella Maye (Toliver) Babbitt.

Raised in Climax Springs, Missouri, Ross was a 1957 graduate of Climax Springs High School. His journey led him to Kansas City, Kansas, where he began a distinguished thirty-five-year career with Ford Motor Company. It was in Kansas City that he met and married Vicki Jo Rhine, on Christmas Day in 1975.

Upon his retirement in 1990, Ross and Vicki relocated to Pineville to join her parents in running the family business, McDonald County Telephone. Their leadership and dedication would see the company flourish, extending into its third generation of family ownership.

Ross's contributions to his community were manifold. He was a longtime member of the Pineville Christian Church, the United Auto Workers, and the Missouri Telephone Industry Association. His commitment to public service was further demonstrated through his active involvement with the McDonald County Republican Club, his role as a board member of Cornerstone Bank, the Crowder College Foundation, and the McDonald County Schools Foundation. Ross was also a staunch supporter of the Pineville Fire Department, and his efforts were recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

Beyond his professional and community endeavors, Ross was a man of diverse interests. He had a passion for antique cars, traveling the world, and the thrill of hunting. A fan of NASCAR and dirt track racing, he also found joy on the golf course, in casinos, and as a skilled pool shark. His love for the Chuck Wagon Gang, Doug Hall Paintings, and, most importantly, his family and grandchildren, filled his life with happiness. The 4th of July and Halloween were his favorite holidays, celebrated with grandeur and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of forty-two years, Vicki Jo Babbitt on April 9, 2018; a daughter, Susan Lorraine Babbitt; and two brothers, James and Lee Earl Babbitt.

Ross's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his two children, Aaron Gent and his wife, Liz, and Ruth Roessler and her husband, Chris, all of Pineville, Missouri. His ten grandchildren, Michael, Robert, Cameron, Sierra, Stormy, Oakley, Riley, Parker, Brodie and Eli, along with three great-grandchildren, Sage, Silas, and Luna, will forever cherish the memories and lessons he imparted.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Pineville Christian Church with Gary Graham and Jim Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow at Pineville Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Michael Miller, Robert Miller, Garrett Cook, Cameron Miller, Spencer Greathouse, Oakley Roessler, Riley Gent, Parker Gent, Brodie Roessler and Eli Gent. Those serving as honorary are Jim Armstrong, John Dyki and Bob Blankenship. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the McDonald County Schools Foundation c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.