Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ross Long
1954 - 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ross Long Obituary
August 9, 1954 - September 11, 2025
Donald "Ross" Long died peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa on September 11, 2025. Ross was born in McMinnville, Oregon on August 9, 1954, and raised in Eugene, Oregon. He graduated from South Eugene High School.
In adulthood, Ross moved from Oregon to California. He landed in Sonoma County where he spent the remainder of his life.
Ross earned his associate's degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and his bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University.
In the late 1980's at the start of his long career in disability rights advocacy, Ross developed a non-profit called Acute Productions where he made videos showing people with developmental disabilities how to self-advocate. Ross later started working for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, where he worked until his retirement in 2021.
While working for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Ross met with people who had developmental disabilities in their homes and completed assessments about their quality of life. After that, he transitioned to a volunteer advocacy coordinator position at Sonoma Developmental Center where he worked for nearly two decades advocating for the rights of developmental center residents who did not have family. Even during retirement, Ross continued to advocate while working part-time for the Supported Life Institute.
Ross was an avid sports fan. He was a faithful Giants, Warriors, 49ers, and Oregon Ducks fan. Ross loved music. He enjoyed the blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and loved the Grateful Dead. Ross attended countless sports games and concerts over the years. He enjoyed playing poker and loved betting on the ponies.
Ross was preceded in death by his mother (Janice Archibald), father (Donald Long), and brother (Calvin Long). He was chosen family to many people in Sonoma County and often referred to as "Uncle Ross."
Ross was fiercely independent, had a great sense of humor, and was a person who touched the lives of many people. Ross will be deeply missed by his friends and community. We will always remember his smile, laugh, and easy going approach to life.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sally Tomatoes, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. All are welcome, except Dodgers fans.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Supported Life Institute in Ross's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Ross Long
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Long
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Ross Long's name
How to support Ross's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ross Long's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
