William Edward Ross

With great sadness, the family of William "Bill" Ross announces his passing on Tuesday December 20, 2022 at his home in Albuquerque, NM. Bill was born on Sunday, August 10, 1941, to Ernie and Ruth Ross in Milwaukee, WI, a place that he loved dearly. As a teen, he moved to Arizona and joined the Air Force and served his country proudly. After leaving the Air Force, he joined EG&G where he worked as an engineer and had many great accomplishments and adventures. When Bill retired, he and his beloved wife Elaine built their dream home in Chama, New Mexico, where they had many happy memories until he suffered a massive stroke and had to return to Albuquerque. It is hard to sum up Bill in a few short words. He loved life, loved unconditionally and always seemed to maintain a positive attitude no matter his circumstances. Even after his debilitating stroke, he still maintained optimism and a joy for life. He was a true inspiration to many. Bill was fiercely smart, kind, funny, sarcastic and a real people person. He loved his family and friends, made new friends everywhere he went and always provided a lending hand to anyone in need. Bill was a talented artist, and his paintings are now his family's treasures. Bill also loved his church, politics, dancing, music, skiing, fishing, sailing and watching his Green Bay Packers with Elaine, his son Joe and grandson Ben. With regard to his career, he had many highlights. Bill was a scientific crew member of airborne technical teams traveling and working onboard Atomic Energy Commission funded U.S. Air Force NC-135 aircrafts for 11 years. The missions he supported involved monitoring atmospheric and underground nuclear tests, studying aurora phenomena in both the northern and southern polar-regions, and observing high-altitude barium releases and plasma injections. His travels supporting these programs took him to Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, Iceland and many locations in the continental United States. Bill was also involved in security upgrades at Embassies, Legations, and other U.S. Government facilities. Bill was loved dearly by his family and friends and his passing leaves a tremendous void in many hearts. Bill is survived his loving wife of 49 years Elaine; siblings, Don Ross (Margaret), Stu Ross, and Mary Strickler (Dave); brother-in-law, John Sena (Rose); sister-in-law, Lena Urioste; children, Jayne Faith (John), Debbie Garcia, Becky Ross, and Joe Ross (Tara); many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces; stepmother, Elsie Ross; and many special friends including his loyal buddy, Chuck Lewis. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Gilbert and Tilley Sena; son, Mike Ross and his grandson, Sean Markey. Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 2, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. In lieu of flowers, Bill would have appreciated a donation to any of the following charities St. Jude's, Shriners, Children's Christian Home, Feed NM Children or Locker 505.