Standardbred breeder/owner Keith ‘Red’ Ross Sr., of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away at his residence on Thursday, March 22 at the age of 81.
He was born in Wayne County, West Virginia, on October 28, 1936. Keith married Donna Lee Cribley, and they were together for 47 years before she passed away on January 10, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his mother Leota Ross Akers, his grandmother who raised him – Sadie Ross, brother Donald Glenn Akers, and grandson Brandon Ross.
A veteran of the US Army, Keith was self-employed. He loved his horses and harness racing. He was a longtime member of the Ohio Harness Horseman's Association as well as the U.S. Trotting Association.
One of his proudest and most recent accomplishments was his three-year-old filly Like Old Times winning Ohio Horse of the Year honours in 2015. He also bred and campaigned Ohio champion Cool Colby.
Keith was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Moose, and American Legion. He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and was a season-ticket holder for many years.
He is survived by his children, Keith (Becky) Ross, Jr. of Bellefontaine, Mark Ross of Orlando, Florida, and Kim (Tim) LeVan of Bellefontaine; six grandchildren, Clark Ross, Colby (Rhandi) LeVan, Lindy (Tark) Martin, Luke (Rachel) Ross, Kara (Quinn) Ross-Henning, and Hollie (Alexander) Ross-Williams; eight great-grandchildren, Bensyn LeVan, Parker, Harper, and Carson Penhorwood, Eddie and Abbott Ross, Eden Williams, and Ryan Henning; and his special friend, Gail Huser.
Friends may call at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, on Friday, March 30, 2018, from 5 - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lights of Love, c/o Logan County Cancer Society, Attn: Tammy Allison, 205 Palmer Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Red Ross.
(Harnessracing.com)