Phil Ross

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When reflecting on the life of Phil Ross, words such as spirited, energetic, and fun-loving come to mind, but perhaps the word that paints the most accurate picture of him is the word devoted. He was so deeply devoted to the family he cherished, and although he accomplished greatness, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. A loving husband and dedicated father, Phil was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren he adored. With a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Phil’s journey began during a time that was as colorful as he was. It was the 1960s when the nation mourned the loss of President John F. Kennedy, when civil rights were in the forefront of the day’s news, and when it was the United States that came out on top of the space race between our nation and the Soviet Union. Amidst this exciting time was an exciting time in the lives of James and Martha (Ley) Ross for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Phil on March 20, 1964, in Kendallville, Indiana. He was a typical young boy of his generation who attended local schools and loved being with his five sisters and four brothers. Phil went on to graduate from East Noble High School in 1982.

In everything he did, Phil did it to the fullest. He was a hardworking man who was a talented welder and tool and die maker for Nick Busche of Busche Enterprises of Albion for 30 years. Phil was known as an outdoorsman through and through who loved just about anything outdoors. Phil especially enjoyed fishing with dad and coon hunting with his older brothers. There was also plenty of mushroom hunting, squirrel hunting, and giggin' for turtles. He loved three wheeling, four wheeling, and shooting his guns, and he took great pride in his extensive gun collection. Phil loved horseback riding and camping, and nothing beat gathering around a roaring campfire. A Harley-Davidson man, he enjoyed heading out on the open road, and he was a ten-year member of the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education Motorcycle Association of Indiana.

There was nothing that was more important in Phil’s life than his loved ones. He was a loving and devoted father who was blessed with four wonderful children including Phillip, Brittney, Joshua, and Chelsea. Phil was blessed to share many years with the love of his life, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Her name was Geralyn Sue (Riecke) Lash, and they were married on December 30, 1996, deeply in love. As Phil’s family and friends can attest, he made life so much fun, and he was a prankster who was forever playing jokes on his family and friends. He loved nothing more than making those around him laugh. Phil was the sort of guy who would give the shirt off his back to someone else, and he had patience that never ran dry.

A blessing in the lives of everyone he met, Phil Ross was truly extraordinary. He was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, his focus was always on living each moment to the fullest. Phil enjoyed things like classic rock and country music, apricot brandy, and a smooth Winston cigarette, but nothing even came close to the love he had for his family. Someone with a huge heart, he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

Survivors include: 
His wife, Gerry Lash-Ross of Kendallville.
Son, Phillip Ross and his fiance, Brittney Hart of Ashley. 
Son, Joshua Ross and his fiance, Kristin Slagal of Rome City.
Daughter, Chelsea Ross of Auburn.
Four grandchildren: Quintin Ross, Evan Ross, Raeghan Ross and Braydon Ross.
Stepson, Jeremy Lash and his fiance, Carla (Frehse) Betcke of Hudson.
Stepson, Brandon Lash of Avilla.
Stepson, Heath and Jessica Lash of Angola.
Stepson, Tyler and Elizabeth Lash of Kendallville. 
11 step grandchildren: Maverick Lash, Madison Betcke, Macie Betcke; Baily Lash, Elijah Lash; Breyton Ambler, Garrett Lash, Gavin Lash, and Emilee Heath; Courtney Cooper, Maudie Lash.
Sister, Fayanne and Theodore Morr of Arizona.
Sister, Becky and Leonard Smith of Avilla.
Sister, Nancy and Roy Hippenhammer of Adams Lake near Wolcottville.
Sister, Linda Anglin of Kendallville.
Brother, Joe and Deb Ross of Kendallville.
Brother, John and Mary Ross of Lagrange.
Brother, Kenny and Diane Ross of Kendallville.
Father and mother-in-law, Philip and Kate Riecke of Avilla.
Sisters-in-law, Chris and Larry Ott of Avilla; Mary and Tim Dice of Avilla; Kathy and Jed Fought of Rome City; Jackie Bell of Avilla.
Brothers-in-law, Dan and Sally Riecke of Ege; Dave and Jenny Riecke of Avilla; Jim Riecke of Kendallville; Dean and Jody Riecke of Avilla; Jeff and Lori Riecke of Avilla.
He was preceded in death by parents; his sister, Margaret Armagost; and his brother, Allen Ross.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 2:00-8:00 PM at Destiny Family of Faith, 445 North Riley Street,  Kendallville, Indiana.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 11:00 am at Destiny Family of Faith with visitation at 10:00 am.
Officiating the funeral service will be Pastor Mike  Albaugh.
Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Avilla.
Memorial donations may be made to to the family.
Send a condolence to the familyof Phil at www.hitefuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.

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