Ronald J. Ross

Ron Ross, 82, of Orient, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation for the public will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Ron Ross Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

Ronald James Ross was born on Jan. 7, 1943, the son of Warren James and Helen Irene (McClain) on a farm east of Orient. Ron was raised on the family farm and attended Orient Schools, graduating in 1961.

On June 14, 1962, he was united in marriage to Shirley Murray in the Orient Plymouth Congregational Church. To this union three children were born: Wayde, TJ and Ronna.

Ron lived on the family farm his entire life. He never really retired but in 2021, he officially handed over the day-to-day operations of the farm to his two sons, Wayde and TJ. He loved taking care of his grandkids and attending all their activities. He collected barbed wire, International replica tractors and equipment, enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling to Branson and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law Larry Gross and Dean Murray and sister-in-law Delena Murray.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Ross of Orient; two sons, Wayde Ross (Peggy Ripperger) of Orient and TJ Ross (Stephanie Fluckey) of Orient; daughter Ronna (Justin) Thomas of Runnells; 10 grandchildren: Adam (Sheila), Becca, Breanna (Kessler), Keaton, Korbin, Kasyn, Addy, Taylor, Lyla and Ray; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister Kathryn Gross of Fontanelle; sister-in-law Carol Westlake of Creston; other relatives and friends.