Larry Rex Ross

Larry spent his childhood in Lincoln, Tucson, Arizona, McAlester, Oklahoma, and other communities across the plains and southwest, where his father’s work took the family—planting the seed for his lifelong spirit of adventure. He graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1966, attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, and graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor's in social studies education and a master's in education administration. Larry also earned his education specialty certification from Chadron State College.

Larry was a dedicated educator who served as a teacher in Australia and Colombia, as well as a principal and superintendent in both Vermont and Nebraska. His commitment to learning and leadership left a lasting impact on the many students, staff, and communities he served.

On August 17, 1974, Larry and Julie began their lifelong adventure together—a partnership that lasted 51 years. They traveled the world, explored new places, enjoyed nature, and devoted their lives to their children and grandchildren. Their shared motto, “Enjoy what there is to Enjoy,” guided them through every season of life.

Together, they made their homes in Lincoln, Nebraska; Wangaratta, Australia; Fairbury, Nebraska; Bogotá, Colombia; Weeping Water, Nebraska; Barton, Vermont; Orleans, Vermont; St. Albans, Vermont; Alliance, Nebraska; Hastings, Nebraska; Branson, Missouri; Papillion, Nebraska; and all the places their RV travels took them.

Larry proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1973 as a Morse code intercept operator (“ditty bopper”), serving during the Cold War at RAF Chicksands, UK, and Shulinkou Air Station Taiwan, a role he was honored to fulfill in service to his country.

One of Popop’s greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren. He shared a love of cars and racing with Parker, playing board games with Colin, and flying kites and blowing bubbles with Charlotte and Ethan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Marjorie (Hanson) Ross, and his sister, Vicki Welton.

Larry’s legacy is lovingly carried on by his wife, Juliann (Johnson) Ross; daughter Natalie ( LtCol Brian, USAF) Wehry and their sons, Parker and Colin (Papillion); son Dane (Nicole Francavilla-Ross) and their children, Charlotte and Ethan (Lincoln); brother-in-law Robert Johnson and his wife, Linda; sister-in-law Diane (Mike) Duschene; niece Dani Duschene and family (Lincoln); nephew Andrew Duschene and family (Waverly); brother-in-law Guy Welton; nieces Lori Bossalar and Jami Jensen and their families (Lincoln); members of the Sturdy family of southeast Nebraska; and lifelong friends Joe and Jan Hunt (Lincoln).

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Larry and Julie during the final years and days of his life.