Robert Edward Ross

Robert Edward Ross – or “Rosser” – entered eternal life on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He breathed his last surrounded by his beloved wife Nancy, all six of their children, and other loved ones including his best buddy and business partner Rusty “Rusto” Loeffler. He finished life the way he always lived it: glorifying God, loving those around him, and giving thanks without complaint. His legacy of faith and love is carried on by three generations of family that includes 19 grandchildren, and an extended family of relatives, employees, former players and friends from every walk of life.

For Rosser life was always about people. Growing up in northwest Oklahoma City, his gregarious nature was evident from the beginning. He spent time with buddies from the neighborhood riding bikes, watching westerns, playing sports, watching the Sooners, and honing his joke and story-telling craft. After a camp counselor introduced him to Jesus Christ at a baseball camp, the importance he placed on people only grew. Every person mattered greatly, and every interaction was an opportunity to change their life for the better. Everyone always got the same treatment: a warm welcoming smile, friendly blue eyes, and the focused attention of someone who genuinely cares.

His kindness and sincerity gave him the ability to turn strangers into immediate friends, and in one very important instance attracted the attention of a beautiful girl named Nancy. The two fell in love while studying at OU and were married in August 1972. The young couple soon headed to Milwaukee where they joined Rusty and Michele Loeffler in a rhythm of work, family, fun and laughter that would last a lifetime. After welcoming their first child, they returned to Oklahoma and opened the Interurban in 1976, the first of dozens of restaurants Robert and Rusty would launch over the 50+ years they worked together. They weren’t just partners, they were “pards” – and it was a friendship like none the world has ever seen. They had a mutual love for good food, hospitality, sports trivia, baseball slang, hilarious nicknames, and fun with their buddies – whether on the golf course, coffee in the Wilkinson room or early morning bible study. Throughout life’s ups and downs they maintained their commitment to always trying to do the right thing, never sweat the small stuff, and continued to encourage each other to just “keep pitchin” and always “keep the ball down.”

When it came to his family, Rosser was always all-in. Nancy was always the love of his life, and together they created a loving home that welcomed six children. Rosser blessed each child with a nickname – Thuba, Beeb, Sparky, Margie, Johnner and Moosker – and he treated them in a way that made each believe they were the favorite. Gathering around good food, whether at home or at the Urb, was an everyday ritual. He always joined the fun: hitting pop-flies in the cul-de-sac, building the world’s greatest sledding tracks, and driving the TP getaway car. He always cheered them on: coaching dozens of teams, attending hundreds of games, and taking the time to teach and encourage them. He always had their back: working to know them better, praying blessing over their endeavors, and sharing in their disappointment and excitement.

Nothing made Ros-…ahem…PaPa more excited than his nineteen grandchildren. It was nineteen celebrated arrivals at the hospital. Nineteen lil’ zubs to snuggle up. Nineteen beautiful ballplayers ready to play some catch, kick a soccer ball, make a basket, swing a bat, or grip a club. Overtime, PaPa added to his list of favorite sports teams – the Toucans, Denco Darlins’, Interurban Jaguars, Norman Dodgers, Fury, PCAA Lightning, and many more. And PaPa continued his enthusiastic attendance to every dance recital, piano performance and pom tryout on the calendar. PaPa always had time for all nineteen – and they all also think they were the favorite.

Just a few weeks ago, on Christmas Eve, all thirty-three members of the family gathered to honor Rosser and celebrate Christmas. Throughout the evening of prayer and singing, kids, in-laws and grandkids wandered to his feet to share their heart through tears, and memories and words of gratitude. Story after story revealed a clear pattern as to the legacy he leaves behind – it was the always of life that mattered most.

Rosser always believed in the grace and goodness of God, and the power of scripture to strengthen your faith. He always loved, always encouraged, always taught and always made the most of every little moment.

Life will never be the same without Robert Rosser PaPa Ross. He will always be missed.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Ross and thirty-one children, spouses and grandchildren: Abbey Ross Billingsley (husband Mike, children Lainey, Beau, Annie and Vivian); Liz Ross Moffitt (husband Zach, children Meredith, Max, Ben and Robert Bruce); Allison Ross Ray (husband Bryan, children Millie, Owen and Evelyn); Maggie Ross Humphreys (husband Blair, children Bonn, Naaman, Theodore and Penelope); John Ross (wife Katie, children Hazel, Amelia, and twins Eleanor and Rebecca); and Madeline Ross Luttrell (husband Gabe); brother Ted Ross; niece Kelly Ross (children Cameron and Carly); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Rosser is reunited with his predeceased parents and brother Bill.

Rosser’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at a private service on Friday, January 22. If you would like to share a memory or watch a live stream of the service, links will be available at www.rosser.life. In Rosser’s memory please consider making a donation to Hearts for Hearing at HeartsforHearing.org and remember to “Eat Out Often!”