Allen L. Ross, 94, of Marion, passed away with his children by his side on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. His time had come due to complications from Covid, pneumonia, and lung fibrosis. Per Allen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A private family service will occur later this year.
Allen was born March 29, 1930, in Washington, Iowa, to parents Leonard W. Ross and Madia H. (Boese) Ross, later moving to Mount Pleasant. Allen was the oldest of four boys, Robert, Kenneth, and Terry. He married Virginia (Reed) Ross on November 5, 1950, and to this union, four children were born, Veronica, Charles, and twin sisters, Victoria and Elisabeth.
In 1951, Allen left South East Power Corp (REC) and moved with Virginia and Veronica to Marion where he began working at Linn County REC. He spent 43 years total with REC before retiring in 1992.
He loved his career and hobbies, some of which included fishing, hunting, scuba diving, being a private pilot with instrument and commercial ratings, and of course traveling. He was humbled and proud to have been on two Honor Flights escorting Veterans to Washington, D.C.
Allen is survived by his daughter, Veronica (James Mumm); son, Charles; and daughter, Elisabeth; granddaughter, Jennifer (Jake Klassen); and great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Hailey, and William, all of Ionia, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Virginia (Reed) Ross (passed January 24, 1981), his daughter, Victoria Ross (passed June 15, 2000), his three younger brothers, and most recently, his wife, Virginia Belle (Wilson) Ross (February 11, 2024); they married March 14, 1991, and had 32 years together.
Allen’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff and caring angels at St. Croix Hospice for their loving assistance with Allen’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous and/or the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and sent along with all other cards, letters, and correspondence for family members to Murdoch Funeral Home, 3855 Katz Drive, Marion, IA 52302.
His parting words: “I’ve led a good life, and with very few exceptions, I did it my way. To the rest of the family, friends, and acquaintances, farewell.”