Charles H. "Jack" Ross Jr.

Charles Henry Ross, Jr. (Jack) of Greenfield passed away Dec. 22, 2023 at the age of 98 at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, IL.

He was born in Barr Township on Feb. 15, 1925 to Charles and Inez McGarvey Ross. His childhood on the farm instilled a lifelong passion for farming and the outdoors. After graduating high school, Jack attended Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO. He joined the Navy and served in the Seabees branch from 1945-1947.

Charles and Eleanor Watts first met as children growing up with their families, being friends. They bonded over their mutual appreciation for farming, church, dancing, fishing and just being together in the outdoors. This continued throughout their long and happy marriage. Charles and Eleanor Watts were married Nov. 30, 1947 in Modesto at the Modesto Methodist Church. They just celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary in Nov., 2023.

Charles and Eleanor moved to Roodhouse for one year after they were married. He worked as a carpenter until they moved to Greenfield. He farmed with his dad for several years before renting farmland of his own. They farmed for 50 years and loved every minute of it, the good and bad times. After 50 years they moved to town in Greenfield.

The Ross’ have three children, Patricia (married to the late Michael) Meyer of Jacksonville, Greg (married to the late Pamela) Ross of Roodhouse and Charles R. (married to the late Betsy) Ross of Greenfield. They have five grandchildren, Julie Cook of Tucson, AZ, Matthew (Bri) Meyer of Edwardsville, Travis (Tori) Ross of St Charles, MO, Tracy (Shane) Moore of Edwardsville, and Susannah (Mark) Cobo of Inverness, IL. There are four great grandchildren, Drew and Dylan Cook and Alexis and Phoebe Ross.

Being a father, he attended his share of basketball games, track, football, musicals, speech contests, 4-H and FFA events. He was also a very active member in the Greenfield community. He served on many community boards; Macoupin County Fair, Greenfield School, Greenfield Methodist Church and Local townships. During his active years at the church, he did mission work traveling to Mexico, Russia and several other communities in the United States. He also was an active member of the Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge. He loved watching football, baseball (St. Louis Cardinals) and basketball on television. He also enjoyed listening to music, dancing and playing cards.

He leaves behind his wife, Eleanor and his children; Patricia, Greg and Chuck as well as many friends. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He had an amazing smile that will be missed by all.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11 am, at the Greenfield Grace Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service.  Following a luncheon at the church, burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Palmyra.  Memorials are suggested to the Greenfield Grace Methodist Church or the Greenfield Lions Club. The Shields-Bishop funeral home in Greenfield is assisting the family.

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