Ross S. Shoolroy of Wooster, Ohio, passed away Jan. 7, 2008, at the age of 90.
He leaves a legacy of a loving family and a variety of businesses that he so enjoyed. Ross was born to R. K. and Vera Shoolroy on a small farm in rural Pennsylvania. His summers were spent with his grandfather farming in Ashland, Ohio.
He graduated in 1935 from Wooster High School and went on to graduate from the Ohio State University in 1939 with a degree in Business Administration. He was very proud of his service in the Army in WWII and served in 105th Coast Artillery on the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Italy.
After the War, Ross worked in the family business in Wooster and built many of the Red Head gasoline stations throughout Ohio and neighboring states. In 1960 he moved his family west to pursue his love of the land.
He operated two cattle ranches, one in Hallack and the other in Twin Falls, Idaho. He remembered these times as some of his most treasured years. In 1980, he and his wife Iva moved back to Wooster to pursue other business ventures and to travel.
Two years before his passing he purchased a plantation in Clarksdale, Miss., and was actively involved in its day-to-day operation. This new venture was added to his many years of owning oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania and New York. He always looked forward to his many road trips to Mississippi and all across the country.
Ross was preceded in death by his wife Iva and son Michael. He is survived by his sons Cliff (Karen) Shoolroy of Mill Valley, Calif., Brian Shoolroy of Richmond, Va., and Sam Stewart (Jacquie) of New Orleans, La.; daughters Judy Fountain of Reno, and Sallie Cecil of St. Michaels, Md. Grandpa Ross will be greatly misssed by his 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth Locker and Julia Halloran.
This past June, family and dear friends gathered together in Wooster for his 90th birthday party which was a wonderful celebration of his life. For a full weekend, his children, nieces, nephews, and old and new friends shared wonderful stories and happy times. It was a true testament to his full life and that we ask all to remember.
Calling hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St. in Wooster. Family burial services will be held Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice with a special request to consider the Hospice services in your area as they were so good to Ross in his final days.