Jerome 'Jerry' D. Ross

Jerome D. Ross – “Jerry”, 72, of San Marcos, Calif., passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2009, in Oceanside, Calif.

He was born Aug. 25, 1936, in Peoria, Ill. He is the son of Glenn and Lola (Lock) Ross and married Patricia J. Gabriel on Aug. 3, 1957.

Jerry graduated from Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake. He attended the University of Idaho and Michigan State University. Joining the Navy in 1955, Jerry played in the 1959 Hula Bowl. In 1961, Jerry started his lifelong career in the insurance industry.

Jerry is survived by his children, Jerome D. Ross Jr., Judy A. Sias, Michael C. Ross and Jennifer M. Ruder; grandchildren Cort Ross, Chance Ross, Madison Ross, Lauren Sias, Andrew Ruder, Gabrielle Ross, Emma Ruder and Nicholas Ruder; sister Dolores Ackridge of Kennewick, Wash., and brother Nelson Ross of Boise, Idaho, and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a fan of watching football and baseball. He was an avid salmon fisherman and enjoyed spending time on his boat on the Puget Sound. During his younger years, Jerry enjoyed coaching football and was inspiring to his players. His dedication to his teams instilled leadership, commitment and perseverance that carried throughout their lives. His great sense of humor and wit will always be remembered.

His funeral service was held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 26.