Jonnie Ross

Johnnie Ross Wenatchee, WA Johnnie Ross, age 95, passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2010. He was born October 22, 1914, in Platte, SD to Arthur Ross and Marie (Manske) Ross. He and his brother were raised by their grandfather, Gustaf Manske. Johnnie was 16 years old when his grandfather died. He and his brother, Robert, stayed in South Dakota and worked until they could save enough money for a car. Their dream was to go “West” and look for work. While working in South Dakota, Johnnie met Edna Mae Burger, who he married on March 19, 1938. After their marriage, they moved to Wenatchee. They had a son, John Robert, who was born in 1940. Johnnie worked for Great Northern Railroad for many years. After his retirement from GNR, he and Edna moved to Renton. He went to work for Kenworth Truck Company. While in Renton, Edna passed away on March 30, 1969. Johnnie retired from Kenworth — his second retirement! After retirement, Johnnie traveled a lot. He went back to South Dakota to visit his grandfather’s ‘homeplace.’ He rekindled a friendship with a former classmate, Helen (Crosby) Lomica. He and Helen were married on June 29, 1974, in Platte, SD. Johnnie moved back to South Dakota and they lived on Helen’s farm. After Helen retired from her teaching career, they moved to Chamberlain, SD. He and Helen had a very active lifestyle. They both enjoyed traveling, rodeos and auctions. Helen passed away on December 6, 2005. After Helen’s death, Johnnie moved back to Wenatchee to be near his brother. They had a very special bond. Johnnie loved fishing, panning for gold, was an avid rock hound and he made beautiful jewelry. He was known for always wearing a cowboy hat and boots. While working at Kenworth, his supervisor called him, “Big Bad John.” The name stayed with him through the years. He was preceded in death by two wives, Edna Ross and Helen Ross; and two brothers, Paul Heaton and Robert Ross. He is survived by one son, John Robert Ross of Longview, WA; grandsons, Michael John Ross and David James Ross; great-grandson, David John Ross; step-sons, Keith (Ruth) Lomica of Platte, SD and Kenneth (Donna) Lomica of Roseburg, OR; sisters, Alice Silva of Lemoore, CA, Hazel Baker of Fresno, CA, Esther Sherrell of Exeter, CA and Alvina Beirne of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Joy Heaton of Bandon, CA; one brother, William Heaton of Everett, WA; a very special niece, Barbara (Ross) Watts, who was his caregiver for the past four years; and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Lomica family in South Dakota and Oregon, all of whom he loved and cherished deeply. The family extends a sincere thank you to the Hospice team, who was on board for three weeks. Viewing will be held Friday, May 21, 2010, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Chapel inWenatchee, with Funeral Services to be held Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., also at the funeral home. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

Tributes

Jonnie Ross

October 22, 1914 - May 11, 2010