Norman Joseph Ross, 93, of Horton, Kansas passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the Amberwell-Hiawatha Hospital in Hiawatha, Kansas.

He was born in Sabetha, Kansas September 28, 1928, to Lawrence and Mary (Bissing) Ross. He grew up near the Fidelity, Kansas community.  Norman served in the Air Force as a diesel mechanic, as an escort to those who died in battle, and as a member of a Rifle Squad.  He was stationed in Shreveport, Louisiana; Spokane, Washington; and Chicago, Illinois. On April 9, 1951, he married the love of his life, Wilma (Lierz) Ross. They were married for 62 years.  Together they raised eight children:  Louann (Kevin) Olley of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Barbara McClain of Everest, Dennis (Lynda) Ross of Horton, Tim (Jana) Ross of Horton; Tom Ross of Palmer, Puerto Rico; David (Molly) Ross of Clinton, Washington; Kathy (Kevin) Brox of Overland Park; Rich (Susan) Ross of Sitka, Alaska. They had 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. 

Norman had many passions in life. As an avid hunter and fisherman, he was a founding member of the Horton Fish and Game Club. This legacy continues with his own sons and grandsons.  Another interesting hobby is that in 1954, he helped found The Track Jockey’s Club on the Lawrence Ross farm in rural Horton. He and others rebuilt old cars to meet the safety standards of a hot-rod race car. Some of his community involvements include serving as a school board member, a member of the Tree Committee, and the Pride Committee, both for the city of Horton.  Norman was an active member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton. He was a member of the Men’s Fellowship and the Knights of Columbus, fourth degree. Norman and Wilma were farmers in rural Horton for 20 years.  In l976, they moved north to Sitka, Alaska where he worked at his favorite job of all, The Sitka Redi-Mix. He was an active member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Sitka.  He was a member of the Men’s Fellowship. They lived in Sitka for a total of 13 years before retiring back to Horton in 1991. 

Norman is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, son, Joseph Lawrence, his parents, sister Laurita Pranger, brothers Rollin and Robert.  He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his brother Larry, plus many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

 A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church.  A rosary will be held on Sunday evening at 6:00 PM with visitation to follow at St. Leo’s Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Leo’s Cemetery Committee, NEK Home Health and Hospice, or the Horton Fish and Game Club and may be sent in care of the mortuary.    Rest in peace, Dad; you’ve earned it.