Ronald Lee Gross

1930 - 2017

Ronald Lee Gross obituary, 1930-2017

BORN

1930

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Alexander Funeral Home-Newburgh Chapel

5333 Old Indiana 261

Newburgh, Indiana

Ronald Gross Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 15, 2017.

Rev. Ronald Lee Gross, 86, of Casey, IL passed from this life to his eternal home with Jesus on Sunday, January 15, 2017, surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter, Ronda, in Newburgh, IN. He was born February 28, 1930 in Fisk, MO to the late Everett and Neva (Cooper) Gross. After growing up with three generations of his family on their farm south of Hoguetown, Ronnie answered God's call to pastoral ministry, graduated from Casey High School in 1947, Bob Jones University in 1952, and was ordained as a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Ronnie married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn June Cramer, on July 28, 1951, and they served the Lord together for over 65 years as Ronnie pastored churches in Bethany and Trilla, IL and Chandler, IN. In 1974, Ronnie and June moved back to his home place where he pastored churches in Casey and Yale, IL, serving the New Hope Church for the last 24 years of his pastoral ministry. During his years as a pastor, he preached thousands of sermons, performed hundreds of baptisms, marriages and funerals, and served in many capacities in the communities and presbyteries where he lived, becoming a blessing to countless lives. During almost 66 years of faithful marriage, Ronnie and June beautifully modeled a life well lived to their children, grandchildren and many others.

Ronnie's life was an inspiration to all who knew him. He humbly and generously gave his time and resources to anyone who needed it. His hospitality knew no bounds, and hundreds of people from many different countries enjoyed staying in Ronnie and June's home. Any time was a good time for loading up the trailer with youngsters and heading back to the woods or going to the North Fork to wade or fish in the stream. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to hunt, fish and care for sheep. He planted countless trees, was a talented woodworker, and provided the farmhouse with a limitless supply of firewood. Although farming was not his vocation, it never got out of his blood, and he enjoyed raising all kinds of animals and helping his brothers and brother-in-law with work on their farms.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Eugene Gross (Marian) and Edwin Gross; one brother-in-law, Eugene Cramer; and an infant son, Phillip.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, June Cramer Gross; daughters, Venita Hooper of Chandler, IN and Ronda Reynolds of Newburgh, IN; sons, Bruce Gross (Shanna) of Casey, IL and Dan Gross (Marsha) of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Joshua Hooper, Philip Hooper (Amanda), Angela Hooper Mushrush (Eric), Nathan Brown, Aaron Brown, Derek Gross (Susan), Trevor Gross (Paige), Elisa Gross, Alex Gross and Emily Gross; and eight great-grandchildren who brought real joy into his last years of illness and decline. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Evalyn Gross and Kay Cramer, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 21, at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 20975 E 2100th Ave, Yale, IL, officiated by Rev. Carroll Richards and Pastor Chris Parr with burial in the Butternut (Willow Creek) Cemetery in rural Martinsville, IL. Friends may visit from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at the church.

Ronnie had a heart for Christian mission work. He and June opened their home to many missionaries and supported their work in many ways. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be given to the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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March 25, 2017

Cody Fischer

So this is coming a little late for sharing my thoughts and memories of my Uncle Ronald Gross, who passed away recently. He's always been an important mentor and I had a hard time putting into words exactly what his influence meant to me. Abby Fischer and I took a trip to Omaha this past weekend and I was compelled to write down my thoughts. Abby thought I should share this with everyone so here it is. June C Gross, I started this as a letter to you, so I hope you don't mind that I share it.
This year saw the passing of three of the men who I admire most. Those three shared a kindness, love of family and Christian humility that is exceedingly rare in the time we live in. It is impossible to truly know just how deeply the lessons they taught me acted to mold and shape my life and continue to do so. What I do know is that Uncle Ronnie left a profound impression on me through his love of nature, inquisitive mind and quiet understanding. These things had a lasting impact on my young mind and put me on the path to who I am and what I value today. The greatest of these qualities that I admired most was his willing ear and subtle wisdom. I have never known another who could say so much to heal in so few words.
I'll never forget a few years ago, 18 hours from home, living in South Dakota and going through the stress, anxiety and perceived shame of divorce. What would my family say? How could I face them knowing that the most sacred of vows had failed? The memory still clear in my mind, I see Uncle Ronnie for the first time since returning home. He looks me in the eye, puts his hand on my shoulder and says "I've heard you've had some trouble out there in South Dakota" I tell him my story. The daily struggle to keep the marriage together. The stigma and weight of imminent failure. It all sounds so complicated and hopeless. Through it all, Ronnie looks off into the distance, nodding his head in quiet contemplation. Finally, I finish telling him my troubles. "Well that's tough" he says, "but I'm for you." That's all I need to hear. The months of turning the issue over in my head, looking for solutions couldn't bring me the peace that those three words brought me then: "I'm for you." That's the first time I truly believed that everything would be alright.
Losing Uncle Ronnie wasn't just losing a family member, but a harbor for hope and steadfast wisdom in troubled times, and a model for the Christian walk and the patience and humility that goes with it. Ronnie used to reference books and encyclopedias (and most famously Webster's Dictionary) in his talks and sermons. Well, Uncle Ronnie is a reference for me. When I'm faced with trials in my life, I often think back to the lessons I've learned during my childhood and the way Ronnie led his life often gives me the answer: Be still and seek God.
As I'm writing this, I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Omaha, Nebraska. In an attempt to keep the tears of both fond memory and profound loss from falling, I look up. On the wall is a sign. A fitting message. 'So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.' Corinthians 1:18

March 24, 2017

Angela Mushrush

Reverend Ronald Lee Gross, my Papa, left his body today and is fully in the presence of his Lord. He, as you can see in this picture, was the first (but not last) redheaded man I fell in love with. If I had to pick the top three things he impressed upon me it would be hospitality, love of nature, and to memorize scripture. He and my Nana have opened their home and their hearts to countless people. He took kids to church every Sunday who had no way to get there. He took me canoeing and taught me how to steer a canoe. He took me on countless trips back to the woods to explore creeks and springs and look for Native American artifacts. He taught me how to fish. He showed me the beauty of God's creation in ways that are too profound to put here. He impressed the importance of scripture to me actually much later in his life (though that's no fault of his). After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and his memory declined, he could still quote scripture in times of need. Even when he did not know my name, but could only be pretty certain that I was somehow his, he could quote verses. It made me realize; God's Word has truly been written on his heart. Papa put it there and it's good. And as he so often said, "God is good...God is good". I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:4

March 24, 2017

Elisa Gross

One of my favorite stories about my papa is the story of how my dad as a teenager accidentally drove Papa's brand new, never-driven-off-of-the-lot car through the dealership's showroom window. After my dad got out of the car, all my papa said to him was "That's what insurance is for." And that's all he ever said about it.
Even during the worst parts of his Alzheimer's when he couldn't remember me anymore, my papa never failed to tell me that he was "for me." Because my papa was always for everyone. It's never easy to say goodbye, but it's a blessing to know that he is in a place where his Alzheimer's and earthly trials are no more.

March 24, 2017

Emily Gross

Some of my favorite memories of my Papa are me coming down the stairs in the morning to rock with him in is recliner when I woke up, always hoping I woke up early enough to help him feed the cats, and riding the 4-wheeler with him down the lane and through the pasture. I will miss you so much Papa, but I am glad your body is no longer weak and your mind is back to being as sharp as a tack. I love you!

March 24, 2017

Alex Gross

This morning I lost my best friend. It's incredibly sad to lose him but I'm thankful for all the time I got to spend with him. He easily influenced me more than any other person. He is the reason I love spending so much time in the woods. He has taught me more things than I could put in a post. Things from shooting a gun to tying a fishing knot to knowing how to fix almost anything. He spent countless hours sitting behind me on the fourwheeler riding wherever I wanted to go, or sitting against a tree squirrel hunting with me while I shot at squirrels that are way too far away. He was always one of my biggest supporters even if he didn't remember who I was our what I was doing, he always said: "I'm for you." I could never thank him enough for all he's done for me, but nothing is more comforting than knowing that he is looking down and saying: I'm for you. I miss you Papa

March 24, 2017

Philip Hooper

In the early hours of January 15, 2017, a saint of a man took his last breath of air in this life.
Impossible to appropriately eulogize in a social media post, Grandpa Gross - Rev. Ronald Lee Gross - was a model human in so many ways, like so many grandpas. Like my Grandpa Hooper, I learned patience through him. Not the Guns and Roses song Patience, I taught myself that in junior high. But the actual character trait of patience. Patience is the one word that I think of first and the most with both of my grandpas. I'm a lucky kid.
Grandpa Gross taught me how to enjoy nature, photography, fishing, canoeing, woodworking. And how to shoot guns - to say he was pretty good at it would be a form of British understatement. Whenever he did talk about his shooting, they were always lucky shots. Because he was a sharpshooter. When he was younger, he could put a matchstick in the crack of a hedge apple fence post and shoot the match to light.
He taught me service above self when he would get up extra early on Sundays to feed his sheep in the barn and then drive all around the countryside in south eastern Illinois and pick up folks in his tan Corolla wagon and take them to church. He was an early adopter to Toyota.
He taught me to be still, and respectful to the life we'd take when we'd go deer hunting. I sat still enough to bag a few nice deer in my time - and sure I'll go hunting again. But he sat still enough that squirrels played on his feet and a chickadee once landed on his shoulder.
He taught me hospitality, as he and Nana June would open their home to hundreds of visitors: traveling preachers, missionaries, college students, grandkids' friends on spring break, foreign exchange students, and the list goes on. Nana keeps a good journal about it.
He taught me and so many others about the Christian faith. That was his vocation. But like a model, he lived it. I grew up in it, the grandson of a magnificent preacher, my mom went to Wheaton, my uncle was a preacher and a Wheaton grad. But I remember so many great conversations with grandpa and nana about deciding to stay in the faith in which I was raised. For many folks, they didn't grow up in it, but he presented a broad picture of God's love for so many - giving counsel to thousands, prayer for thousands more, and inspiring dozens to enter a life of ministry.
In Grandpa Gross was about as perfect of an example of a man of the cloth you could ask for. A Godly man. A good example. A faithful friend and father and husband. And with Grandpa you got - and still get - Nana. Not just a preacher's wife, Nana went to college with Grandpa, retired as an educator and teacher, and maintains an aggressive reading habit and theological discussion ability that can make you feel like another visit to mandatory chapel at Wheaton or a good Sunday at church.
In Grandpa's waining years of Alzheimer's, even until his last of days, he ministered. He told my mom a treatise in only three words in November of 2015 when she was presenting two summary rhetorical theological positions in our long - let's be honest too long - conversation. We had no idea he was listening. Mom had said in conclusion "So, people can put God in a box, or..." and she paused for a thought. And wouldn't you know, Grandpa made it for her. Looking off out of the room, he said: "Let Him loose."
And like many with Alzheimer's, he could sing the songs of old. Sitting around a bonfire just this last summer, if you would start singing the melody, he'd chime right in: "God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm." But no other song held such a place in his hymn-sing request list than: "She'll be coming 'round the mountain." And Amanda and the kids sang it tonight for their bedtime song.
Even the day before yesterday, less than 48 hours before he breathed his last, he ministered again as in what would be for me a gold standard farewell and one last three word theological treatise.
I held his hand one last time and said: "I love you grandpa." He whispered barely audible, opening his eyes: "Wonderful.... You are wonderful." And then furrowing his brow, closing his eyes, and grabbing his lower jaw with his other hand like Indiana Jones trapped in a jam, he said with a pensive look that looked almost painful:
"God is good."
And then reinforcing, with the cadence of a preacher, he said it again.
"God is good."

March 24, 2017

Joshua Hooper

Remembering a truly wonderful, patient, loving, inspiring man today. For my friends who may not have seen the news, my Grandpa, Ronald Lee Gross (after whom I was named) passed away early on Sunday, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Through years of decline, he never lost his gentleness, kindness, sense of humor, or his wit. But it was hard. Getting old isn't for sissies, he often said in recent years. And it was hard for my Nana, a truly wonderful, patient, loving, inspiring woman -- his best friend, and (for the last several years) his steadfast caregiver.

He and Nana welcomed so many friends of mine into their home over the years as a friend wrote to me earlier today, I still remember the feeling of home, hospitality, and groundedness I experienced when visiting your grandparents' place.

Papa often reminded you that he was for you, but he didn't need to say it. You already knew that. I remember Nana saying (and Papa not denying it) that he never doubted his faith, but that didn't mean that he lacked compassion for people who did. He was a reader, a scholar, a servant, a swinger of birches (and taught me and my friends to do the same), and he kept the wood-burning stove going all night long. He romped around all over creation with us, took us on wagon rides, 3-wheeler rides, fishing, swimming, canoeing, stargazing, and was just an all-around amazing grandpa.

His wit was never ending. "This is the time when all honest people go to bed," he would say. Or he'd check to be sure a visitor to the farmhouse, a friend of mine maybe, knew where they were sleeping, reminding them that they were welcome to sleep in the hayloft out in the barn if they wanted, that it would probably be pretty warm.

Life won't be the same without him, but I suppose that's a small price to pay for having a grandpa who meant so much to me. The last time I saw him, at my Aunt Ronda's house for Christmas, when he was really weak, I told him, surrounded by family, We have a pretty great family. We really like each other. And he said I've never thought about it like this, but we're all kind of in love with each other. Blown away by such a unique and beautiful comment, I said, Yeah we are. We all take care of each other. And he said, Yeah, we do.
I'm so grateful.

March 24, 2017

Cody Fischer

When I first came to Unites States more than 30 years ago, I had the chance to meet a lot of nice and wonderful people across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) and across America. But someone who always stood out above any one in kindness, love for others, genuine gentleness, hospitality, Christian testimony, and many other human qualities was the Reverend Ronald Gross. He and his dear wife June opened their house to me for a few days the summer of 1985 right after I had arrived from Colombian. I felt their irradiant love since the first moment I met them. I enjoyed those days in their farm, and I did so the many times I visited their home which to me was a little bit of heaven and so peaceful.

When I settled in Chicago, I witnessed his love and commitment for the Hispanic ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the big city. He visited Ebenezer church many times and supported the opening of the second congregation in the Chicago area. Ron and June often hosted visiting groups from our churches in Chicago. I can tell that he always encouraged the congregations he pastored and to Foster Presbytery and later North Central Presbytery to care and support the Hispanic ministry of the church in Chicago.

Later on, when I got married and the kids came, Ron along with June embraced my family in a very special way. My children saw in Ron that grandfather figure that they didn

March 24, 2017

Eduardo Montoya

When I first came to Unites States more than 30 years ago, I had the chance to meet a lot of nice and wonderful people across the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) and across America. But someone who always stood out above any one in kindness, love for others, genuine gentleness, hospitality, Christian testimony, and many other human qualities was the Reverend Ronald Gross. He and his dear wife June opened their house to me for a few days the summer of 1985 right after I had arrived from Colombian. I felt their irradiant love since the first moment I met them. I enjoyed those days in their farm, and I did so the many times I visited their home which to me was a little bit of heaven and so peaceful.

When I settled in Chicago, I witnessed his love and commitment for the Hispanic ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the big city. He visited Ebenezer church many times and supported the opening of the second congregation in the Chicago area. Ron and June often hosted visiting groups from our churches in Chicago. I can tell that he always encouraged the congregations he pastored and to Foster Presbytery and later North Central Presbytery to care and support the Hispanic ministry of the church in Chicago.

Later on, when I got married and the kids came, Ron along with June embraced my family in a very special way. My children saw in Ron that grandfather figure that they didn

March 24, 2017

John Gross

Posted by John Gross

March 24, 2017

John Gross

Our dearly loved Uncle Ronnie has finished his race. What an amazing life lived for Jesus! So thankful for him and Aunt June and their Godly influence on my life and on many people far and wide.

January 27, 2017

Lottie Cook

Venita, Dan, and all the family. I know how much family and your parents mean to you and wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the many wonderful memories you have had provide you comfort today and always. God bless!

January 19, 2017

Charles Postlewate

Dear June and family,

We sure enjoyed meeting and briefly knowing Ronnie during our three trips through Martinsville in recent years. Ronnie was quite a character and always kept us in good humor during our visits to your house. We will miss him very much and send you our love with our best thoughts and prayers to all of the Gross family.

Charles & Marisa Postlewate, Granbury, Texas

Posted by Charles Postlewate

January 19, 2017

Grace Vight

Venita, Ronda, Angela, and all family members, our deepest sympathies are with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. The Voights

January 18, 2017

Amy, Todd, and Luke Robertson

Venita and family - Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.

The Robertsons

January 18, 2017

Lela Skeath

Ronda - I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I never had the opportunity to meet him but I remember you talking about him at work. He must have been a wonderful person. Thinking of You.

January 18, 2017

Cindy Morris Harper

Bruce and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. God Bless You!

An old classmate

January 17, 2017

June, Venita, Ronda, Bruce, Dan and the entire Gross family,
Our lives have been touched both spiritually and physically by Ronald Gross. He was our mentor and strength many times in our lives and we thank him for that. He was a true and faithful servant as he led many individuals to Christ. Now he is enjoying a well deserved rest in heaven with his Lord and Savior.
Jim and Sue Courtney (Newburgh, IN)

January 16, 2017

Deb Whobrey

Dan,I'm sorry for your loss.May God's comfort and peace be yours with prayers of sympathy,

January 16, 2017

We send condolences to June and your entire family. The Gross family will always have a special place in my heart. You were wonderful to my mother and our family through her long illness. Rev. Gross married Hob and I and christened our boys. He was a wonderful minister. We were so honored to have shared many years with your family.
Hob and Connie Boyles (Marion, Illinois)

January 16, 2017

Paul Ramey

Ronda and family...so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful legacy your dad leaves, and what amazing memories you have to cherish.

January 15, 2017

Robert Janssen

June and entire Gross family, sorry for your loss. Pastor Ronnie was instrumental in leading me to my personal relationship with Christ on a Friday morning at Bible School at Trilla CP Church. I always enjoyed our boys clubs visit to the family farm South of Casey. I pray that you will have comfort that only the Lord can give. Respectfully, Bob Janssen Casey IL

January 15, 2017

Greg and Julie Pimlott (Hooper Piano Studio friends)

We are sorry for your loss. Prayers of peace and comfort for your family.

January 15, 2017

Jeanette Livesay

Matthew 25;21!
In Norway, remembering you all will loving prayers.

January 15, 2017

Sandra Burkhart

Jesse & I send our heart-felt condolences to his family & friends. He was a man a person feels honored to have known. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts be given to the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016.

January 15, 2017

Jimmy Martin

Ronda, Dan and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers.

January 15, 2017

Tim & Karen Walthall

Venita and family, Our heartfelt sympathy and blessings to all of you at this time.
Tim & Karen Walthall

January 15, 2017

Bill & Carole Burris

Prayers to all the family. What guidance and memories he has given to us all.

January 15, 2017

Steve Ulrey

I can't remember the first time I met Ronnie, but I do know most meetings with him always left me with things to ponder or a lighter load on my shoulders after listening to his words of wisdom after asking for advice. He was a friend to all who knew him and he made the world a much better place.

January 15, 2017

Kathy Smith

Dear Venita and family,
I am sorry about your dad, yet rejoice with you all, knowing that he is whole, free, and happy worshipping in The Lord's presence. I wish I could give you a hug. I love you. Bless you, sweet friend.

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Jan

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Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church

20975 E 2100th Ave, Yale, IN

Funeral services provided by:

Alexander Funeral Home-Newburgh Chapel

5333 Old Indiana 261, Newburgh, IN 47630

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