the Obituary of Forrest “Darryl” Ross

Darryl Ross, age 88, of Mt. Shasta, died Tuesday, July 9, 2024. His Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM followed by a reception at Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel.

Darryl was born on March 24, 1936 to parents Cecil Eritt Ross and Beulah Riddle Ross in Chillicothe, Missouri. His father died when we was six. Darryl’s mother and stepfather Frank Graham moved the family to Southern California where Darryl attended elementary and high school, then graduated from the University of LaVerne with his teaching credential. He taught in Azusa, then Sacramento for seven years. In 1965 he moved to Mt. Shasta, a change that was inspired by working summers as a seasonal park ranger at Castle Crags State Park where he remained and enjoyed the rest of his life.

After Darryl’s first marriage ended, he married Carol in 1971. They had 52 happy years together raising their blended family, teaching together, traveling, and enjoying retirement.

He was a long-time teacher at Sisson School in Mt. Shasta where he taught middle school for 27 years and truly loved teaching kids. When he wasn’t at school, Darryl enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast in their RV, fishing, gardening, sports on TV, reading historical books, watering down the runners each Fourth of July, volunteering at the Sisson Museum yard sales, and spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors.

Darryl is lovingly survived by his wife Carol Jean (Rossi) Ross. His children Jeffrey Ross (Jill), Jennifer Gray (Darren), Janna Cox (Dallas), and Michele Heile. Four grandchildren Dallan Wood (Kara), Darryl Killgore (Kayleigh), Kathryn Cox, and Morgan Cox. One adorable great-grandson Kellen Wood. Darryl’s brothers and sisters Aaron Ross, Rose Ross Hartman, Cecil Ross (Eileen), Bruce Graham (Janice), Louise Harleton, and many nieces and nephews. Carol’s family including Beverly Haman, Steve Rossi (Joy), Christie Rossi, David Rossi, and all of their families. Preceded in death by brothers Clarence Ross, George Graham (Sharon), and Frank Graham.

He became ill with Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2022 and died peacefully with family by his side at Shasta Regional Hospital in Redding, CA on July 9, 2024 at the age of 88.

Darryl was a kind and gentle man who will be remembered with fondness and respect. A dear husband to Carol, a fine son, brother, father, uncle, friend, and colleague. He was much loved by all and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum or a charity of your choice. To share a memory, photos, and condolences please visit Darryl’s obituary at mtshastachapel.com.