Gerald L. Ross

Gerald Lee Ross, born June 29, 1933 passed away on February 11, 2026. He was the son of Charles Henry Ross & Inez Helen (McGarvey) Ross.

He married his Greenfield High School sweetheart, Mary Jane Finney on April 18, 1954.  Gerald (Jerry) graduated from the University of Illinois.  He served during the Korean Conflict as a corporal in the U.S. Army.  He was stationed in Baumholder, Germany for two years. He was joined there with his wife and daughter, Vicky. His son, Robert, was born there. When they returned from Germany, Gerald finished his degree. He was an Agronomist with the University of Illinois and his research led to 3rd world countries having information to grow crops.    

They lived and raised their family in Urbana, IL, where they had 3 more children. Mary was a R.N. at McKinley, both working for the University of Illinois.

He loved the outdoors, golfing, camping, sharing stories of the past, and traveling. They lived in Champaign, IL, had a 2nd home in Fort Myers, FL, and recently moved to Savoy, IL. He completed his bucket list of visiting all 50 states and playing golf into his 90s.

Gerald leaves behind 4 living children: Vicky Cordes (Tim), Robert Ross (Susan), Michael Ross (Jolinda), and Kim (Ross) Loos. He joins his son, Timothy James (Jim) Ross in heaven.  

Along with his children and his beloved wife, Mary, he leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren along with spouses/partners who joined the family.

Memorials can be made to The First United Methodist Church in Urbana,IL.

 Open visitation 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 15th at Renner-Wikoff, 1900 Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802

Gerald will have a burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Greenfield on Mon., Feb. 16th at 11:30 a.m.

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