Robert "Gordon" Ross

Funeral services for Gordon Ross, of Coos Bay, will be held at 11 am, Thursday, July 10 at the Church of Christ, 775 Donnelly Avenue in Coos Bay. Interment will follow at the Coos River Cemetery.

Gordon was called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the early hours of Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 resulting from complications of a fall.

Gordon, the oldest of four children, was born July 17, 1936, to George and Joyce Ross of Marshfield, OR.. He loved his family, his church family and his Lord.

In his early 20s he was working part time at a service station in Portland while attending bible college. At this point in his life, he was aspiring to become a minister. Things changed when he fell for one of his regular customers, a sweet young widow who would become his wife of 65 years. Her name was Wilma Gosser, and she had a “tag along” 3-year-old son, Danny. After a whirlwind courtship they married and settled on his father’s dairy farm in Coos Bay. Wilma passed in Feb 2022. In addition to Wilma’s son Dan, they were blessed with 3 more children, Bob, Marcia and Debbie.

Gordon and Wilma had the “go bug”. It didn’t take much to get them out the door and on the road. In addition to domestic travels they also visited Russia, New Zealand and Costa Rica many times. In later years Gordon and Wilma would pack a lunch nearly every day and share a sandwich while looking over Pacific waters in Charleston.

Gordon’s Coos County roots run deep. His great-grandfather (BF Ross) was one of the very first white settlers in the county. Perhaps because of this lineage he had a passion for county history and a conviction to serve his community. Following many decades in the dairy business, he served 4 terms as a county commissioner and was active in other civic associations including 32 years with the Coos Soil and Water Conservation District and the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association. He felt one of his proudest accomplishments was while on the SWOCC board, enhancing the nursing program while it was in its early stages.

He loved sharing his deep knowledge of Coos County by giving talks at the Coos County Historical Society and Museum. His interest in local history even inspired him to write several books on family and local history along with other musings.

Gordon will be remembered as a very generous man, giving both of himself as well as financially. He had a soft heart and always wanted to help those in need. He was a life long member of the Church of Christ in Coos Bay and through the years served both as a Deacon and Elder.

He is survived by brother George Ross, children, Dan Ross and wife, Joan of Wilton, NH, Bob Ross and wife, Nanette of Coquille, OR and Debbie Ross Gorst of Myrtle Point, OR; grandchildren, Greg Ross, Lindsey Ross Hardie, Joshua Nugent, Jenny Nugent Messenger, Nathan Ross, Meghan Ross Hampton, Evan Ross, Bethany Ross Mason, Tylor Gorst, Quinn Gorst, Lane Gorst, as well as 25 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by both parents, sister Margaret Crane and brother James Ross and daughter, Marcia Ross Nugent.

A huge debt of gratitude to Prudence and David Munger for their careful and attentive care of Gordon over many years. Because of them, Gordon was able to live in the family home and stay mobile. Prudence, you are an angel on earth. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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