Robert Charles ROSS

Robert Charles Ross died peacefully on May 14th, 2025, exactly the way he wanted, at home overlooking the golf course, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert Charles (Bob) Ross was born on May 20th, 1941, to parents, Lee Wayne (Bill) and Dorothy Ross. Bob graduated from Mead High School in 1959, attended Columbia Basin College and Eastern Washington University, where he lettered in swimming. After college he worked alongside his father at the family business Wandermere Golf Course. On May 16th, 1963, Bob married Carol Hoerner, they had two children together, daughter Kimberlee and son William (Bill). Bob and Carol were married until her passing in 1996. Bob was proceeded in death by his son William (Bill) Ross in 2020.

Bob remarried on September 26, 1998, to his college sweetheart Carol Madren; they had 27 wonderful years together and she was by his side until his last breath.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Carol; sister, Sandra Brown (Herb); daughter, Kimberlee Moore-Reach (Dan); grandsons, Bobby Moore (Shawna), Brady Moore, Blake Moore; and his great-grandson, Barrett Moore.

Bob took over the family business and along with his sister Sandy, and brother-in-law Herb built Wandermere Golf Course into what it is today. His first wife, Carol, daughter, Kim, and son, Bill, worked alongside him in the pro shop. His son, Bill, and oldest grandson, Bobby, followed in Bob's footsteps, becoming PGA Professional golfers themselves. 

Bob became a professional golfer on September 1, 1973. Turned PGA professional with his election to membership on August 1, 1978. Bob went to PGA Life Member Retired on February 15, 2000, and remained that status until March 27, 2023, when he became PGA Life Century Member.

Bob has impacted so many lives on and off the golf course. Bob had a huge heart for junior golfers and introduced the game to many current PGA Professionals in the Inland Empire Chapter and gave several of them their first job at Wandermere. Through his generosity, Bob also welcomed Wandermere to be the home course for Mead and Mt Spokane High Schools, never charging the teams to practice, making Bob one of the biggest contributors to the Mead school district in 50 years.

While working behind the counter, Bob loved the daily interactions with our "regulars" and countless new faces he would meet. He treated everyone like family. If you ever golfed at Wandermere, I'm sure you have a story of how Bob would get you to laugh and smile before your round started. 

While building his legacy throughout the golf community there was one thing that was most important to Bob and that was his family. Bob loved having both of his children work with him along with all three grandsons at different times in their lives while encouraging them to follow their dreams and supporting each of them with their choices.

Continuing with the family tradition, you will still find his daughter, Kim, working in the Pro Shop with oldest grandson Bobby, who is the current Head Golf Professional at Wandermere.

Bob was a member of the El Katiff Shrine and was a big supporter of the Shriners Hospital of Spokane.

You can either get through life or live it and Bob lived it! He went on many trips with his family and friends, travelling all over the world. Whether it was one of the many golf trips with the guys, traveling with his family or taking the grandkids to Hawaii, Bob enjoyed every minute of it.

In his later years, when Bob wasn't at work, Bob and Carol would be seen at all three of his grandson's sporting events cheering them on. He sponsored each grandson's hockey team (Go Rockchucks!)

Bob was a member of the Street Tins Car Club and he and Carol enjoyed taking their 1962 Gran Turismo Studebaker to many car shows. Bob and Carol loved traveling with their dear friends Vince and Karen Collins and had many fun adventures with them.

When Bob was no longer able to make it to the golf course, his favorite thing to do was sit in his chair looking out over the golf course watching the golfers. Bob impacted a countless number of lives throughout the community, and he will be dearly missed. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28th, at 3:00 pm, at Calvary Chapel, 511 W. Hastings Rd., directly followed by a celebration of life at Wandermere Golf Course with food and refreshments and stories about Bob. The family welcomes everyone to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob's name to the Shriners Hospital of Spokane, 911 W. 5th Avenue, 99204.