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Richard Leon Ross

1939 - 2021

Richard Leon Ross obituary, 1939-2021, Fairbanks, AK

BORN

1939

DIED

2021

Richard Ross Obituary

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richard Leon Ross, 82, of North Pole, passed away July 29, 2021.
He was born to Ralph and Helen Ross on Feb. 28, 1939, in Southwest Missouri. Richard met the love of his life, Beverly, on a double date with friends. They were married June 10, 1960. Shortly thereafter he joined the US Air Force where he served in Vietnam and many other bases around the country. His final station was Eielson AFB from which he retired in 1981 after 20 years and 11 days of service. Upon retiring from the Air Force he worked for the State of Alaska Department of Corrections for 12 years.
Richard spent his retirement doing what he loved - fishing the waters of Prince William Sound in his boat, The Lady B. It brought him great joy to share his knowledge and love of fishing with his family and friends. The memories are great and the fishing stories even greater.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; daughter, Lori Elgin (Don); son, Jeff (Nicole); grandchildren, Caitlyn Elgin-Parcell (John), Sarah and Lindsey Elgin and Jillian Ross, all of North Pole; brother, David Ross and sister Carolyn Ray both of Wheaton, Missouri; along with several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life and scattering of ashes in Prince William Sound will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements provided by Fairbanks Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily News-Miner on Aug. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Jimmy Lewis

July 31, 2025

Richard and I were in the class of 1957 at Wheaton High School, Wheaton, Missouri. He was a good friend, and after he had been in the Air Force several years, he and his wife, Beverly, and family were stationed in Sacramento, where I was a newspaper reporter. I still miss him.

Jimmy Lewis

November 26, 2024

Richard and I were classmates from 7th grade through high school graduation. He was a good friend and I was so sorry to hear he had passed. RIP, Richard.

David Frazier

October 8, 2021

I was working with Richard to sell his airplane, all while I did not know him on a huge personal level he was always so awesome and kind to me. Condolences to the family.

Jody Yelton

September 10, 2021

Bev. I am so very sorry to read of Richard´s passing. I dreamt of you last night, Bev, and when I woke, I found this sad news.

I have very fond memories of your sweet husband´s generosity in offering some of his freezer bounty when I worked for you at the credit union. I recall him saying that he had to clean out some space in the freezer or you wouldn´t let him go fish! He had a wonderful demeanor and John and I always felt at ease when he was around.

I pray for peace and God´s love to surround you during this time. Know that there are friends in Wyoming thinking of you.

-Jody and John Yelton

Penny and John Warnke

August 8, 2021

Prayer coming your way for Bev and family! FROG-Fully Rely On God.
Years ago Rich took our WI relative to Valdez on his boat.
Trip highlight for him!

Ralph Huffman

August 6, 2021

Beverly I am sorry to here about Dick's passing. I was at Eielson from 76 - 81 I was the barracks chief . I was over at your house many times. I remember helping pound a well, coking steaks in the snow. I am keeping you and your family in prayer!
Ralph

Gary Farnsworth

August 6, 2021

Always got a wave from the Lady B. Prayers for all.

Judy Coleman

August 6, 2021

Bev and family so sorry to read of Richards passing. I always enjoyed working with him at FCC. My thoughts are with you.

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