Robert N. Ross

Robert was raised in Oklahoma City. He was very serious about his education and school activities- participated in boy scouts, basketball, and graduated from Central High School “the Cardinals”, one of the oldest high schools in the state. He entered the University of Oklahoma in 1946 at the age of 17 and joined Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, where his first roommate was a 46 year old returning veteran from World War II. At OU he met Jo Ann Carney, his wife and best friend of over 61 years. One of Robert’s most admirable qualities was his loyalty and dependability. If he was your friend, he would always be there for you no matter what. Not many people have true friendships of over 50 years like Robert had with Jimmy Whitney, Sam Fair, and Vernon Forshe. He graduated from OU in 1950 and married Jo Ann. He served in the army at Ft. Sill and shortly moved to OKC, where he began working for GE Supply Company, which he retired from after 33 years and countless moves with the company across the U. S. In 1952 daughter Carol Lynn was born followed by Nancy Ann in 1956; Nancy Ann passed away at the age of eight. The many moves made this small family very close; Although he was never into many material objects, he was a very devoted father and husband – never denied his “girls” what they thought was important. He also very much enjoyed the poodles that were their “babies” and the puppies which helped send Carol through her first year of college. Robert was nontraditional in his pursuit of hobbies. He enjoyed hands-on with his insurance, stocks, bonds, and balancing his checkbook to the penny. After retiring, he became more active with charities such as OKC Foundation, OU Associates, of which he was a charter member, Cowboy Hall of Fame Docents, New Covenant Christian Church activities, and traveling on European trips that Jo Ann insisted he go on that he greatly enjoyed once he was there. He was instrumental in helping nurturing and mentoring Carol and Mike’s three children; Jennifer, Zachary, and Brian Marino- he was their “rock”. A wonderful life of retirement with Jo Ann was tragically cut short by a debilitating illness.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; Daughter and Son in law, Carol and Hank Harkey; grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Jason Lowrey, Zachary and Shauna Marino, Brian and Lindsay Marino; great grandchildren, Hayden and Houston Farrar - precious gifts from a special granddaughter Jennifer, Sister in law Carolyn Pruett.

Services will be Saturday, 02/04/2012 at 2:00 pm at New Covenant Christian Church. Private Interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City. Visitation will be held Friday, 02/03/2012 from 6-8 pm at Guardian West Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to NCCC, 12000 N. Rockwell, OKC, OK 73112.

Arrangements under the direction of Guardian Funeral Homes West Chapel, Oklahoma City, OK.