PHILLIPS – Francis Bennett Ross, 71, formerly of Phillips and Kingfield, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2019, at Sandy River Center in Farmington.
He was born on August 29, 1947, in Rangeley, the son of Harry B. Ross and Thayla G. Bachelder.
Francis graduated from Rangeley High School in the class of 1967, where he was known for his athletic abilities in basketball, cross country skiing, ski team and track.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1967 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1974. He then decided to join the U.S. Army where he served as a Specialist Four E4 Engineer from 1974-1988.
On Feb. 20, 1972, he married Olive Freeman in Rangeley.
After his military service, he worked at Forster’s Mill, cutting wood for Sonny Abbott, and then for 16 years at International Paper where he retired from.
Francis loved fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with family and friends, watching wrestling, and cheering on his grand kids playing sports. Most of all, he enjoyed having the opportunity to tell a good story or joke to anyone that would listen.
Francis is survived by his wife of 47 years, Olive “Sister” Ross; his children, Eric Harvey of Chazy, NY, Harry Ross of Strong, Leanna Ross Targett and husband Travis of Salem Township, Lee Ross and fiancée Rana Raymond of Madison; grandchildren, Dylan Ross, Mariah Ross, Scott Ross, Davin Targett, Jerusha Caldwell, Cierra Branham, Rebecca Ross, Brooke Ross, Isaac Ashby, MacKenna Targett and Addison Harvey; siblings, Susan Katy Phillips, Dianne Gould, Nellie Bourget, and Jennice Cole.
He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Harry Joseph Ross, Willis Reynold Ross, Frasier Vance Ross, Stanley Ross, and Adelaide Clark.
Donations may be made in Francis’ memory to the Kingfield Little League, c/o Town of Kingfield, 38 School Street, Kingfield, ME 04947.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
Sorry to read about Francis. RIP
Deepest condolences to the family.
There are no words I can say that will comfort you all at this time, But hold on to your heart and all the beautiful memories We all have, Love you all.
To the Ross Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all. Keep those cherished memories close. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss
Im so sorry. I loved Francis. He always had a smile and a hug. Sending love to his family. His presence in the world will be missed. ~Jackie
U will be miss uncle and loved by many
Condolences to all of Frances family, I met him years ago at the Big Apple. Always had a smile on his face and a story to tell, and talk about the grandchildren.
Sheri
Oh No, I am saddened to read of his passing. A fun classmate, and friend. RIP. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Lee and Harry. Keep your fond memories close.
So sorry to hear about Francis.
He was a good classmate and a lot
of fun. Condolences to the family. 🙏
condolences to the Ross family. I worked with Francis at the mill very nice man will be missed. RIP FRANCIS
This breaks my heart. Francis w as very loving man. Always greeted me with a smile, say well hello sweetheart, give me a hug. He was great friends with my dad. I remember going to their house as a child and going camping with Lee, Harry, and Leann. Many fond memories. Hugs to you all. Especially his wife Sissy. Such a sweet lady…
I was just remembering Fran with his granddaughter, Leanne’s little girl. What great memories those grandchildren will have. ♥
So very sorry to hear this news. I’ll always remember him as a good classmate, full of fun–important in a class of 29! Also, thank you, Francis, for your service to our country! Condolences to his family.
I am sending my deepest sympathy to all of Frannies Family. He was the best classmate and friend always. Also my cousin . I’m so happy that we all got together for lunch at the Red Onion a few years back with allot of our classmates. We were all so happy to have contact with him. Chickie Savage
I graduated with Francis. We always had fun together. We both were on the cross country ski team where he always managed to beat me by a second or two but we had a great time. I never recall him having a bad word about anyone. I wish our paths had crossed more often.
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Francis was a classmate of mine.
Such a wonderful smile and hearty laugh a kind man. Sending
healing thoughts to the family. Hopeful that your
memories will wrap you in comfort through this very difficult time.
I was saddened to hear of francis passing he was a great man and a better friend!! Sister(olive) -Harry-Leanna-and Lee and all of your families you are all in my heart and healing prayers for all of you.
Scott &Mona Abbott
So sorry for loss Sister, HarryB, Eric, Leanna, and Lee. Uncle Franny was my favorite uncle. He always made me laugh as well as having a shoulder to cry on. Even as I had grown up he would stop over for tea. I miss the old times we had at family reunions at the old Ross place on the hill. Time has slipped away from all of us as we grow older. Uncle Franny was an exceptional man with great values for family, work and play. Keep his memories alive and remember what he taught all of you. Wish I had the chance to see him one more time.
Bonnie Jean