Charles (Charlie) Ross was called to his eternal home in Christ on August 22, 2020. Charlie was born in McLeansboro, Illinois on February 12, 1934, the youngest of four children. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, daughters Sarah Ross Clinkscales (sons Timothy and Charles, daughters Valerie and Lydia), Susan Ross Smith (son Colin and daughter Corinna), and Pamela Ross Krueger (son Ross and daughter Kristin), nephews Marty and Brad Bodway, and 2 great-grandchildren (Hannah and Amara Clinkscales).

Charlie graduated high school in Illinois, then moved to Houston, Texas to live with his sister, Erma Bodway, where he met Janet Elder, whom he married on June 21, 1952. Charlie joined the Navy Reserve in April 1952, then entered active duty in March 1956. He was deployed to Japan where he served as a radio operator on a submarine. Janet joined him in Japan, with daughter Sarah, for several years, then they all returned to Houston in 1959. Charlie was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1960, and returned to work at an oilfield equipment manufacturing firm in Houston. Daughters Susan and Pam came along in 1960 and 1961. Charlie continued to work in Houston until the early 1980's, when he was laid off during an oil bust. He then returned to school in his 50's and became a certified substance abuse counselor, then spent over 15 years as a professional substance abuse counselor.

Charlie was interested in a variety of things. He enjoyed being a "Do-Dad" in Girl Scouts as the girls were growing up – teaching girls to build a fire, cook over it, pitch tents, backpack, and enjoy the outdoors as much as he did. He became a beekeeper and had a booth at the Renaissance Festival as the Queen's Beekeeper from 1989 to 1994 where he taught people about bees (with an observation hive) and Janet sold ceramic items. After he retired from full time work, he volunteered with Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (TEAM) for many year. Charlie began weaving, something he'd been interested in for years, learning to weave cloth and frequently speaking at demonstrations at local craft shows. His whole life, he loved to meet new people, having sworn he'd never met a stranger – just someone who wasn't a friend yet. He also enjoyed his 8 grandchildren immensely – spending as much time as possible with them – and was very proud of all of their many accomplishments.

Charlie will be missed very much by his family and friends – but we know he is at peace and we will see him again.

Instead of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Star of Hope Mission (sohmission.org)