Ross Willard Farnsworth

After a long battle with dementia, during which he continued to express his love for his family until the end, Ross Farnsworth, age 90, passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on September 28, 2026, in Plano, Texas.

Ross was born on December 22, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, to Bessie Laurene Ransom Farnsworth and Richard Glann Farnsworth. He grew up on the family fruit farm in Waterville, Ohio, surrounded by a large extended family, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and service.

Ross earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957 with a B.S. in Education. He was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, with active duty delayed for nearly a year, during which time he taught middle school science and math.

On December 27, 1958, Ross married the love of his life, Betty Powell, and embarked on a 23-year military career. Trained as both a navigator and a bombardier, he flew aboard RC-121 and C-130 aircraft. His assignments took him to Massachusetts; Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis; Okinawa, Japan; Miami University in Ohio, where he taught ROTC; two tours in Vietnam; Arkansas; and, ultimately, four years in Germany. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During those years, Ross and Betty raised two daughters and formed treasured, lifelong friendships. His sense of honor and responsibility was evident in his military service. Although his duties often kept him away from home, his family never doubted his love, affection, and devotion.

While serving in the Air Force, Ross earned a master's degree in Computer Data Systems from Boston University, preparing him for his next career as a data communications systems analyst for the City of Dallas, where he worked for 17 years.

In Texas, Ross was active in his church, helping the “Yard Birds” maintain the church grounds and singing in the choir, a reflection of his lifelong love of music. He and Betty enjoyed traveling together, both on long road trips and to far-flung destinations around the world, often accompanied by family and friends.

Ross was also a devoted grandpa. He climbed trees with his granddaughter (until age 78!), taught her handyman skills, explored creeks and woods with her, and collected tadpoles. These adventures reflected his curiosity, playfulness, and delight in sharing the world with those he loved.

Ross leaves behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, talent, and service to others. He was cheerful, friendly, enthusiastic, and humble, with a sly sense of humor. He readily expressed his appreciation and was always ready to listen, encourage, or lend a hand. He didn't simply believe in serving others; he found joy in doing so.

His many talents reflected his resourcefulness and curiosity. A licensed amateur radio operator, he could navigate by the stars, hand-draw beautiful lettering for signs, install electrical outlets, build masonry structures, and find creative solutions to almost any problem.

One particularly remarkable example of Ross's service was his role in helping more than 25 American college students become part of history. In 1981, he arranged for them to enter Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany to welcome the returning American hostages from Iran. His efforts are still remembered and appreciated today.

Ross will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his example of faith, devotion, generosity, and service will live on in the many lives he touched.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Lois (Michaels Neitzke) and Marilyn (Moore). He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his daughter, Lisa Farnsworth, and son-in-law, Carl Adkins; his daughter, Sue Farnsworth; his granddaughter, Elisabeth Adkins; his brother, Richard “Dick” Farnsworth, and sister-in-law, Ellen Farnsworth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074, US, on October 22, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A funeral service will take place at First United Methodist Church Plano, 3160 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074, US, on October 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

A burial service will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, US, on October 26, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Plano at www.fumcplano.org or to the Waterville Historical Society at www.watervillehistory.org