Michael "Mike" Joseph Ross

Mike passed away peacefully with his wife holding his hand on November 11, 2023 at St. Charles Hospital.

Mike was born on August 5, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA to George and Helen Ross. He was the youngest of five children with three older sisters and one older brother. He graduated from Junipero Serra high school in 1961. Following graduation, he attended college briefly before enrolling in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force he was trained in telecommunications, a skill he used throughout his career. His service assignments were at various bases in the United States and Vietnam.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he married Carol Braesch in September of 1967 in Iowa. He was blessed with three daughters, Laura, Krista and Carey, from this union. While living in Iowa he worked for Bell Telephone in Charles City and Burlington and participated in various service organizations. He earned the Silver Beaver award for his service with the Boy Scouts. He was also active in Rotary and worked as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff.

In the early 80's Mike moved to Colorado. After a brief stay there he moved to Oregon to be closer to his brother, George, and his nephews. Mike met Priscilla Kelsay in Portland in 1985. They were married in June, 1989. Career moves then took them to northern California where they lived for about 12 years. During that time Mike continued his career in telecommunications working for Advantel, Inc. Priscilla's desire to move back to Oregon to be closer to her family prompted a move to Eugene in 1999.

Priscilla had told Mike from the time they married that she wanted to return to Bend, her hometown, to retire. Together they drew plans for their "retirement" home, located next to her parents' home. Mike served as the general contractor when the house was built. In addition, he did most of the electrical work himself. They moved into that home in 2005.

Mike loved woodworking. He had a shop and made many beautiful items for the house as well as for friends. Cooking was another activity Mike enjoyed. He was an excellent cook and took pride in presenting food that was delicious to the eyes as well as the stomach! His lasagna will be missed by many!! During their years in Bend they were active members of Nativity Lutheran Church. Mike enjoyed working with their food bank ministry. He always signed up to prepare meals for Bethlehem Inn when it was Nativity's turn to serve.

Mike is survived by his wife, Priscilla, his daughters Krista (Colt) and Carey (Matt), and grandchildren Dakota, Marisa, Ali, Logan, Grace, Tanner, Blake, Caitlyn, Josie, Lily, Abby, Mia and Morgan. He is also survived by his nephews George, Dennis and Ken. His daughter, Laura, and his four siblings preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the music program at Nativity Lutheran Church.