Charles Warren Ross

CHARLES WARREN ROSS January 7, 1937 - June 7, 2024 Reverend Charles W.Ross, 87, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 7, 2024 in Camas, WA.Charles Ross was born into a family of strong Christian faith January 7, 1937, in St.Louis, MO to Charles Matthew & Juliet (Volkmar) Ross, and was later the stepsonof Leslie Ficken. Always active in and excited by his church life, Charles knew hewanted to be a minister by the time he was nine years old, and he continued topreach until his final days.Charlie graduated Beaumont High School in 1954 and was active in Boy Scouts,choir, band, Glee Club, baseball, and basketball. After high school he became amember of DeMolay and Kiwanis, as well as many varied church groups.Charlie graduated from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL (1958), followed by EdenTheological Seminary (1961). Charles was proud of his connection to thequintessential group, the "Triple E's" (Elmhurst, Eden & Eternity).While in college, Charlie met the love of his life on a blind date aboard theexcursion steamboat, SS Admiral, on the Mississippi river. When asked how hisdate went after a night of dining and dancing, Charlie exclaimed, "I'm going tomarry that girl!" and on August 9, 1958, Charlie and Gloria (Tennyson) Ross werewed. That remarkable and loving union lasted 57 years until the death of Gloria in2015.Following seminary, Charlie accepted his first ministerial position as an assistantpastor at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL (1961-1963) followedby a pastorship at St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Morton Grove, IL (1963-1970). In 1966 & 1968, Charles and Gloria added beloved daughters Tammy andValerie to their family. In 1970, Charles accepted a position at ParkroseCommunity United Church of Christ in Portland, OR where he would serve aspastor and community leader for 29 years. Parkrose would become the placethat both Charlie and Gloria believed they were meant to be, and those yearswere some of the happiest years of their lives.Charlie was the epitome of a Man of Service. Aside from his pastoral duties, hewas instrumental in initiating, growing, and supporting several communityendeavors. As a tireless volunteer and leader of many organizations, includingSnowCap Community Charities, the Portland Children's Book Bank, Parkrose Little League, Daybreak Family Shelter/Human Solutions, the Interfaith HospitalityNetwork, Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis and Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, the ParkroseSchool Board, the Central Pacific Conference of United Church of Christ, CampAdams, Ecumenical Ministries, and the Multnomah County Elections Division toname a few, Charlie always felt that our duty as humans was to serve communityand its members.As a recipient of many awards along his humanitarian endeavors, someexceptional moments for Charlie were when he was presented with the ReubenHuenemann award for Christian Leadership (2008), Kiwanis International Legionof Honor (2011), Kiwanis George Hixon Award (2002), SnowCap Emeritus BoardMember (2011), SnowCap Longest Serving Volunteer (2016 & 2024), ParkroseUCC Pastor Emeritus, and having Ross Cabin co-dedicated in his honor at CampAdams with longtime friend and fellow pastor, Gene Ross.Aside from his work with church and community, Charlie enjoyed being a father,grandfather, and great grandfather, often enlisting the help of those generationsto learn to become "of service" too. As a leader in the Parkrose community, healso became a community father and grandfather to many of its youth.To know Charlie was to know he also had a ridiculous sense of humor and endlessstories! One story he was particularly fond of was when he was an usher at BuschStadium for the St. Louis Cardinals. More than once, Charlie had conversationswith Stan Musial, and how humbled Charlie was that 'Stan the Man' would greethim personally before the games. This began Charlie's lifelong dedication to theRedbirds and Charlie would often be seen sporting his cherished red Cardinal cap.Charlie was preceded in death by his dear wife, Gloria, and his brother Ken Ross.Survivors include his daughters Tammy Ruscigno (Steve), and Valerie Barnett,grandchildren Anthony, Tyler, Angus, Emerson, Jimmy and Jennifer, stepgrandchildren Kaylah and Jenna, and great granddaughter Emberlie, as well asbeloved extended family members and many many friends.A Celebration of Life for Charlie will be held September 14, 2024 at 2pm atVancouver United Church of Christ 1220 NE 68th Street, Vancouver, WA 98665.Please wear something red as a symbolic gesture of support commemorating thelove Charlie had for his St. Louis Cardinals! Go Redbirds! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to any of the communityorganizations previously mentioned.