George Ross

George Lewis Ross, 66, of Stigler passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in McAlester Regional Medical Center. He was born March 23, 1954, in Poteau, Okla. to William and Virginia (Gartrell) Ross.

George was raised in Keota, attended Keota Public Schools and graduated as Salutatorian of the 1972 graduating class. He furthered his education at Eastern Oklahoma State College and pursued a lifelong career as a computer program analyst. George started his career at TG&Y Company in Oklahoma City. In 1986, he joined Arkansas Best Freight in Ft. Smith, Ark. where he worked until his retirement in 2015.

George married the love of his life, Leona Mahan, on May 25, 1973, in Whitefield. Together they raised two children and were blessed with two grandchildren.

George loved the outdoors, was an avid fisherman, golfer and pool player. He enjoyed retirement, taking trips with his wife, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and watching OU Football.

George is survived by his wife of 47 years, Leona Ross, of the home; a daughter, Tami Ross and husband, Arash Fartashpour, of St. Charles, Mo.; a son, Mark Ross and wife, Meredith, of Stigler, Okla.; two grandchildren, Colin Fartashpour and Ella Ross; five brothers, Charles Ross, Billy Ross, Henry Ross, all of Keota, Kenneth Ross of Broken Arrow, Okla., Ike Ross of Poteau, Okla.; two sisters, Illa Davenport of Ft. Smith, Ark. and Judy Christenberry of West Union, Iowa.

George was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virginia Ross; a brother, Garry Ross.

The funeral service was at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at Antioch Baptist Church with Pastor Doug Miller officiating. Eulogist was the Rev. Jim Bob Kirk. Pallbearers included Ike Ross, Henry Ross, Charles Ross, Ed Hawthorne, Leo Perry and Bart Starkey.

Burial followed in Stigler Cemetery under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.

Ceremony for family and close friends.

Masks and social distancing were requested by family.