Wilbur (Bill) James Ross, a lifelong Licking County resident, passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Bill was born November 2, 1935, in Newark, Ohio to the late Maurice and Ivalene (Allbaugh) Ross. He lived 86 years that were abundantly full of love, generosity, and the pursuit of excellence.

Bill believed in hard work and personal sacrifice, especially in service of his family and community. Bill was an ardent supporter of his community, serving as a longtime member of numerous organizations, including the F&AM Licking Lodge #291, where he was elected as the 19th District Deputy, the York Rite Bodies, the Scottish Rite, the Mid-Ohio Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America, the Aladdin Shrine, and the Aladdin Car Club. Bill always insisted on spending his money only on local companies to support his neighbors and bolster the local economy. He was a lifelong learner, voraciously seeking knowledge and becoming a 32° member of the Scottish Rite. Bill also displayed his curiosity by questioning his family and friends about their endeavors and never leaving a crossword puzzle incomplete. Bill found the ideal balance of achievement and pleasure, making time for his favorite hobbies, which included square dancing, camping, and presenting his 1979 Oldsmobile Regency 98 at car shows. Above all else, Bill believed in the importance of family, showing up for life's biggest and smallest moments alike, standing by each other even when it is inconvenient, and giving all that he had to build up those around him.

This is the legacy that Bill leaves with his ever-growing family, which includes his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Eileen (Larimore) Ross; daughters Lora (Dwight) Reynolds and Judy Ross, son Todd Ross; grandchildren Joy (Greg) Neighbarger, Josh (Lauren) Reynolds, and Jolene (Samm) Reynolds; great-grandchildren Belinda Reynolds, Hazel Neighbarger, and Leo Reynolds; and brother, Gene (Janet) Ross.

In characteristic humility, Bill has requested that no funeral services be held.

His family requests that any cards be sent to Mary Ross at P.O. Box 558, Utica, Ohio 43080.

His family also invites all who knew Bill to sign an online guestbook at www.lawbakerfuneralhome.com.