Elmer "Ray" Ross

Ray was born in Connecticut to Delight and Elmer Ross. He was the youngest of three with older brother Lee and sister Jean. They relocated to Detroit in Ray’s early life and there he grew up and graduated. He loved music playing French horn in high school and loved to draw and sang in the glee club.

Ray married after the Korean War. He met his bride Willadean Joyce Turner in his boarding house while he was on the GI Bill in Detroit. They had a whirlwind romance and married in Detroit. This began Ray’s love of travel as his wife Willie worked for the airlines and they flew to Acapulco Mexico.

Steve and Laura were born in Detroit and then Ray and Willie and the kids relocated to Bellevue Washington during the height of Boeing’s recruitment in the 60's.

Once settled in the Pacific Northwest Ray and Willie explored the Northwest camping frequently, hiking, skiing, and visiting the coast. They would eventually take the family on an adventure of camping and driving in Europe for six weeks, the trip that he frequently enjoyed remembering in detail!

Ray was not only a traveler but found a love of woodworking as well. He made furniture, jewelry boxes, and above all two sailboats. He then embarked on his next big adventure of sailing with his family and friends whenever possible. He loved sailing and would plan sailing trips to the San Juan Islands and up north towards Desolation Sound.

Later in life, Ray and Willie became active with their grandchildren. Traveled to their graduations, become involved in their grandchildren’s interests, and become the best and greatest grandparents!

Ray survived his wife Willie when she passed in January 2021, but she was always with him and they were truly life partners. Ray leaves behind his son Steve and daughter Laura and grandchildren Rebecca, Eric, Miles, Eric, Daniel, and Gabriel.