Gerald Ross, a landscaper and engineer raised in Oakville, Washington, passed early on July 18, 2020, at the age of 76, in the comfort of his home.

Gerald is survived by his children Kim Jones, Dale Kier and Steve Cochran; his sister Maxine Neiman and brother Jessie Ross; grandchildren Felicitie Knight, Eric Knight, Donovan Axtell, Christina Jones, Shane Compton, Dale James Kier, Niki Eckstrom, Kenneth Jones Jr. and Elizabeth Jones; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife, Vena Ross; his mother and father, Mabel and Richard Ross; his brother David Ross; and his daughter Kathy Kier.

Gerald was born in his childhood home on Feb. 3, 1943. He would grow up knowing the merit of hard work, learn value in family and gain a strong moral compass. After his service in the U.S. Army he went on to become the mayor of his hometown, Oakville.

He had a hand in designing the AWACS plane in his career with Boeing. After his career at Boeing he moved on to work for Dow chemicals where he retired. After retiring he went back to college, earning his bachelor’s degree in landscape design, proving that it’s never too late to go back to school and change careers.

Gerald was a well-traveled man, joining his wife in many travels to Europe — Germany, Austria and Denmark being among their favorites.

Join Grandma and rest easy, Grandpa. Know you are loved and missed very much by all of us.