Gerald Keith Ross

Gerald Keith Ross, age 91, of Lovilia, IA, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Gerald was born on January 10, 1932, at home near Attica, IA, to Glenn Ellis and Anna Pauline (Jones) Ross. He grew up attending school and graduated from the Lovilia High School with the class of 1950. On April 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Eleanor “Claudine” Gullion in Knoxville, IA, and to this union, 5 children were born, Patti, Deb, Greg, Kenny and Brian. Gerald and Claudine shared 63 years of marriage prior to Claudine’s passing on December 27, 2017. Gerald worked in the sawmill with his father before serving his county in the United States Army, stationed in Korea. Upon returning from the service, he went to work at John Morrell’s in Ottumwa for 21 years. Gerald then drove truck for Ted Visser and for Leach Trucking Company and also worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Corps of Engineers. In his younger years, Gerald pitched in a fast pitch softball league. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. He had his pilot’s license and owned his own planes. He enjoyed growing large vegetable gardens and was very meticulous in keeping his garden weeded. He also enjoyed mowing and keeping his yard well-manicured. He enjoyed taking his family on vacations to places such as Canada, Mt. Rushmore and Florida and camping at Lake Red Rock. Gerald was very mechanically inclined, could fix anything, and was very handy. He loved the Lovilia community and helping with projects such as construction, cement work, plumbing, and digging graves. Gerald had a great sense of humor and he loved spending time with his family and his friends, many of whom lovingly referred to him as Gunner, Charger, and Sarge. Gerald is survived by 4 children, Deb Clough, Greg (Lora) Ross, Kenny (Anna) Ross, and Brian Ross; 9 grandchildren, Ross Maddy, Denise (Dustin Burger) Crall, Robert (Persephone) Crall, Grace (Rick) Guffey, Gunnar (Jess) Ross, Jenna (Kagan) Post, Breanna (Curt) Coughlin, Makenna (Logan Stickler) Ross, and Peyton Ross; 11 great grandchildren, Will, Kaydine, Beth, Daisy, Maddie, Gavin, Colson, Brynlee, Ty, Karissa, Kamrynn, and one on the way. Gerald is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claudine; a daughter, Patti Maddy; his parents, Glenn and Anna Ross; twin sisters, Wilma and Wilda; and a brother, Robert. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Gerald’s family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at that Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating and military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Burial will follow services at Gullion Cemetery in Attica, IA. Memorials have been established to the American Legion in Albia and the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

Gerald Keith Ross

January 10, 1932 - March 30, 2023