Lonnie Harrison Ross

Lonnie H. Ross, 88, of Elm Creek, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday July 29, 2013, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney, Nebraska. He was born April 20, 1925, north of Hershey, Nebraska, to William D. and Rose M. (Widstrand) Ross. Lonnie attended school and then joined the United States Army during WWII, serving in the Army 321st Infantry Division from August 23, 1943 until being honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. Lonnie was united in marriage to Opal Maher on February 25, 1947, in Stapleton, Nebraska. The family moved to Lexington in 1971. Lonnie was successful in all aspects of his working career. He was a heavy equipment operator, worked for Bill McNeel Construction and Hampton Construction, he drilled wells with Haggert Well Drilling in Sargent, Nebraska; he worked for Prices Tree Service in Lexington and the City of Lexington, retiring in 1989. Lonnie loved to rodeo, competing mostly in saddle bronc and bulldogging. He loved doing anything outdoors, was an avid fisherman and hunter, but mostly enjoyed his family and grandchildren, and getting in a good game of cards. He was a feisty old cuss with a heart of gold and will be so very missed. Lonnie is survived by his children; Thelma Ross of Goodyear, Arizona; Bill (Chris) Ross of Lexington, Nebraska; Lonnie Ross of Grand Island, Nebraska; and, Cindy (William) Moses of Elm Creek, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; Jessica Castorina of Goodyear, Arizona; Nathan (Nikki) Ross of Doniphan, Nebraska; Staci (Michael) Burns of Kearney, Nebraska; Nicole (David) Doth of Sprague, Nebraska; Jill Ross of Grand Island, Nebraska; Sherry Cook (fiance’ Chris Griffith) of Funk, Nebraska; Shannon Cook, Keith Cook, and Tim Moses all of Elm Creek, Nebraska; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Edith (Elmer) Cudaback of Gering, Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Opal; three sisters and three brothers. It was Lonnie’s request that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. It is only fitting to honor his life with an outdoor Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon on August 10, 2013, at 220 East River Road, Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials in his memory may be mailed to: Bill Ross, 1200 N. Jefferson, Lexington, Nebraska, 68850. His ashes will be inurned at a small country cemetery near Hershey, Nebraska. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is serving the family. Please share online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.