

Niles was born on November 1, 1938, to Homer and Annabelle Ross. He lived a life marked by faith, humility, integrity, hard work, and a deep devotion to his family. Janice Ross was the love of his life. They met on a blind date, beginning a beautiful love story that led to 66 years of marriage. Together, they built a loving home, raised their family, worked side by side, and shared a lifetime of treasured memories.
Niles was a man of great faith and a dedicated member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years. He dearly loved his church and church family and had a deep desire to bring others to Christ. He wanted those around him to know the love, hope, and saving grace of Jesus. He lived his faith through kindness, generosity, compassion, and a willingness to help others. He carried himself with quiet strength and grace. He treated others with respect and allowed his faith, his work, and the way he lived to speak for him.
A gifted entrepreneur and respected businessman, Niles was the founder and owner of Ross Elevator and Niles Ross Construction. He was especially known for his exceptional custom craftsmanship and careful attention to detail. Through determination, honesty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he built businesses that earned the trust and respect of his customers, employees, and community.
Niles loved attending church, gardening, watching football, and spending time with his family. In his earlier years, he really enjoyed playing golf, and he was quite good. One of the most cherished memories his grandchildren had of their "Papaw", was when they were little, he would pretend to be a bear, delighting them as they laughed and playfully pretended to be frightened. They would eagerly call out, “Papaw, pretend to be a bear again!” He also loved taking them for rides on his tractor, an adventure that was always exciting and unforgettable to them. These joyful moments will remain in their hearts forever.
Niles shared a close and loving bond with his sister, Janet (Ross) Apple, and his beloved brother, Cloy Ross. He dearly loved them both, and the three siblings remained very close throughout their lives. He also held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.
Niles is survived by his children, Niles Lee Ross; Barron Ross; and Karen Christopher and her husband, John; his grandchildren, Jeremy Ross, Lorren Ross, Jeff Ross, Ashley Sharp and wife Rebecca Sharp, Alexa Ross, Jordyn Ross Schrader and her husband, Josh, Joshua Ross, and Haylie Autumn Jackson and her husband, John; and his great-grandchildren, Quinn McKenzie Schrader, Whitton Ross Schrader, Killian Sharp, and Ezra Sharp. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, church family, friends, employees, and the many people whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Ross; his son, Jeffery Ross; his parents, Homer and Annabelle Ross; his sister, Janet (Ross) Apple; his brother, Cloy Ross, and his niece Rhonda Gail (Ross) Rummel.
Niles’s greatest legacy is found in the faith he shared, the family he cherished, the people he helped, and the love he placed within the hearts of those who knew him. His family finds comfort in the blessed hope of the resurrection and looks forward to the glorious day when they will be reunited with Niles and Janice at Christ’s return.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”— Matthew 25:23
Visitation will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 HIGHWAY 5 N, ALEXANDER, AR 72002, on August 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 1:00 pm.
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