Ronald L. Gross

Ronald L. Gross, age 75 or rural Wapakoneta, was called into the presence of his Lord and Savior on February 15, 2022 at 10:04 a.m., with his loving wife and daughters by his side. He was born August 31, 1946 to the late John Denzle and Clara Lucille Gossard Gross in Lima, Ohio.

He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 37 years as of February 23, 2022, Sarah J. Marshall Martin Gross. As well as his 2 daughters – Amy (Christopher) Craig and Jody (Rick Thomas) McKinley, both of Lima; 4 grandchildren Marshall Craig, Jordain Craig, Jaret Frye, and Addison McKinley all of Lima.

Ron was the youngest of 10, who was always there with a helping hand for all his siblings when there was a need. He graduated in 1964 from Harrod High School. He served in the U. S. Navy Airedales from 1965 – 1969 and spent 2 tours abroad aircraft carriers in Vietnam, The USS Kitty Hawk and Granger. He graduated from several Naval schools of Aviation Electronics Technician with a Top E-5 ranking. Ron was a life member of the VFW Post 1275 and a member of the Moose Lodge 1533 of Indian Lake.

Ron dealt for over 30 years in antiques and loved most the comradery of buying and selling something and meeting the many friends he made over the years. Ron and Sarah spent many years fishing in Michigan and trips to Canada. His true love was ice fishing on Indian Lake and enjoyed gathering mushrooms, hunting, and being outside working in his yard.

Ron retired from Local 32 as a journeyman electrician of over 35 years. He was known by many as “General Patton.”

His is also survived by 3 brothers – Roger Gross, Gary (Beverly) Gross, Robert (Patricia) Gross; 2 sisters – Mary Spees and Vera Plaugher. He had a host of nieces and nephews who he dearly loved.

He was preceded I death by 2 brothers and their wives – Charles (Kate) Gross; Larry (Mary) Gross; 2 sisters and their husbands – Crotora (Ike) Waltermire and Dora (Roger) Shaw; 2 brother-in-laws – Harry Spees and Orvil Plaugher, Jr.; sister-in-law – Phyllis Gross.

Ron will be deeply missed by his loving wife and girls who took wonderful care of him these last few weeks. Also, the great care from interim Hospice Care and nurses; “We thank you!”

At Ron’s request there will be no public services. A graveside service and celebration of Ron’s life will be held at a later date in Walnut Hill Cemetery, New Hampshire, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to The James Cancer Hospital of Columbus or to Interim Hospice of Lima.

As Ron would say, “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love. And then to return home. We are living God’s Plan.”

To plant a tree in memory of Ronald L. Gross, please visit our Tribute Store.