Robert "Bob" Ross passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home, which he built by himself in 1945, on December 24, 2009. His daughter was at his side, holding his hand when he went "Home." Robert was born March 5, 1909, in Platte, SD, to Arthur Ross and Marie (Manske) Ross. His father passed away before he was born. Their grandfather, Gustof Manske, raised him and his older brother, John. The boys had a real bond with their grandfather; however, he passed when Robert was 14 years old. At that time, a bond between brothers was formed and would never be broken. The "boys" left South Dakota and headed to Washington to look for work. Robert moved to Wenatchee in 1936. He went to work for "Smuckers," who was just getting their business started. They asked him to move to Oregon to help get another plant started. He declined, as he had met the girl he was planning on marrying. On June 20, 1941, he married Ruth Lawyer. They had a daughter, Barbara, on October 17, 1943. She was their only child. During WWII, the FBI approached him, asking him to work "undercover" for them. At the time he was approached, he was working at the Keokuk plant in Rock Island. He overlooked prisoners of war being held in a camp near Peshastin. He also was asked to do surveillance on local business operations. After the War, he went to work for Columbia Concrete. He worked there for 37-½ years, before retiring. After retirement, he and Ruth would go out for breakfast every morning. In 1977, he and Ruth took a very active roll in helping Cambodian refugees, who had relocated to Wenatchee. They met Eng Ket, who became a part of their family. She became their special "Cambodian Daughter." Robert was well known for his love of raising tomatoes and giving them to friends. He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He and Ruth loved being able to travel when they were younger. Ruth preceded him in death on July 22, 1998. His brother, Paul Heaton, also preceded him.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Watts of Wenatchee; special Cambodian daughter, Eng Ket of Wenatchee; brothers, John Ross of Wenatchee and William Heaton of Stanwood, WA; sisters, Alice Silva of LeMoore, CA, Hazel Barker of Fresno, CA, Esther Sherrell of Exeter, CA and Alvina Bernie of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Joy Heaton of Bandon, OR; special nephew and niece, Cevin Lawyer of Sammamish, WA and Lucinda Gutierrez of Stanwood, WA; and many, other nephews and nieces.

Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Samuel Ortiz and all the girls at Hospice, making comfort measures possible for a peaceful passing. A special, special thank you to those who went above and beyond for caring, loving and giving! All of you are so loved and appreciated. Thank you, Joy Smith, Travis, Lori and Gary Williams. May you be greatly blessed by all that you've done. Special thanks to Alice Seton for care giving.

Viewing will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2009, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home in Wenatchee. Funeral Services will be held at the Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to the Hospitality House. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.