Robert "Bob/Bobby" Ross

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Robert "Bob/Bobby" Ross. Robert, Bob or Bobby, Ross, 75, left this earth on January 1, 2023. Apparently he had checked the last dilapidated barn in Virginia for the mythical, forgotten about yet still in pristine condition 1956 Chevy Belair and found his dream car was still not there. Obviously, there also wasn’t an antique, broken down British car inside either because we all know he would have stuck around long enough to haul it back to his home for project number 859,876,183. Bob Ross, not that one, was born in Suffern, NY on May 19, 1947 to Lieutenant Colonial Newton B Ross and Eleanor Wixson Ross. He was the oldest of 5 children and was looking forward to his sister, Darlene, and his brother, Tom meeting him in the afterlife. As an Air Force “brat” Bob lived all over but had the fondest memories of spending time growing up in Texas and Massachusetts. It was here that he and his 1940 Lasalle Coupe began making lifelong friends that he maintained throughout his entire life. Peter, Jack, Danny, Cazzie, and Ronnie were just a few that probably have some grey hairs dedicated to Bob and his love of going fast. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii for a short time where he spent time racing up and down the mountains in his MGB. After leaving the Air Force, he spent many years in Central Florida where he became known at every Denny’s within 200 miles. After exploring and living in many Northeastern States, Bob settled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where he fell in love with the mild weather and mountains. Speaking of falling in love, Bob was a big flirt and managed to convince 3 women to marry him over the course of his life. Amy remained friends with him until the end, Janet gave him his favorite, and only, daughter, Shelli Ross Black, and Leslie was the love of his life that found it easier to stay married to him from GA than in the midst of his “collections.” It was often said Bob was always so late, he’d end up being late to his own funeral. I guess he showed us all because his death was 2 weeks earlier than the doctors expected. He had a very short battle with Leukemia and passed peacefully after visiting with many of his close friends and family. Much like his father before, he went out flirting with the nurses and joking with everyone. In keeping with his free spirit and because his loved ones cover such a vast area, in place of a funeral, his ashes will be spread over the mountain of his favorite lookout in Virginia, and we can share our stories here so that everyone near and far can participate. He is survived by his younger brothers, Gary and Brian Scott Ross and their families, his daughter Shelli Black, her husband Justin Black, and his grandchildren Izzy and Joseph Black. He’s also survived by Leslie Bailie Ross, her sons Jon and Jay Singleton, their children, Alex, Bailie, Zachary, Josh, Corbin, John Imre, Jake, Ryley, Willow, and Holly Honey, and 3 great-grandchildren. Bob would have wanted me to thank everyone from the VA Hospice in West Virginia to the crew at Woodstock Hospital and all the EMT crews that showed incredible respect and dignity to him those last few months. Lastly, to all the waitresses in his favorite local haunts that he tried to convince to take him back to Hawaii, thank you for providing dinner and a friendly smile to make an old man feel good.

Robert "Bob/Bobby" Ross

May 19, 1947 - January 1, 2023