Robert (Bob) David Ross

Robert (Bob) David Ross, 79, (formerly of Peoria, Ill.) returned to his heavenly home on Feb. 11, 2019, after a valiant battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. His devotion to his life to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Bob was born to the late Delmar and Evelyn Ross, on April 2, 1939, in O’Fallon, Ill. He started working in construction in 1956 with Local 649 and retired after an accident with 25 years of service as an Operating Engineer. Bob was also a business owner. He married Nita Jane Abels on April 30, 1960. His life changed when he accepted Christ as his Savior in 1961. He then dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and spent his time volunteering in the church and being a devoted father and husband. Bob and Nita welcomed three children in their 26 years of marriage. Nita passed in 1986 after her own battle with cancer ended. Bob was then blessed enough to find love again and married Pamela Baker in 2000. Bob enjoyed hard work, spending time with his family, his time at church, spending time outdoors, collecting odds and ends, good food, and putting together puzzles.

He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.

Bob is survived by his wife, Pamela; his sons Brian Ross, Rich Baker, and Chris Baker; his daughters, Jill Iwanicki and Amanda Russell; his 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Alan Ross, James Ross and Forrest Ross; and his sister, Janette Brumfield. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Delmar Ross and Leroy Ross; his parents; and wife, Nita.

A visitation for Bob was held at the Bland-Brumback Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m., in Stockton, Mo. The funeral will be held at his church, Agape Baptist Church in Stockton, Mo., at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 16. Pastor Joe Grande will officiate the service. He will then be buried at the Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Ill., at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 18.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Baptist Church.

Psalm 34:6, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”