Thomas Fulton Ross of Loveland, Ohio, went peacefully and joyfully into Glory on June 5, 2026, at the age of 87. Tom was the beloved husband of the late Gayle Bodley Ross, doting father of Pastor Tom Ross and Dawn Ross Jerger, and cherished “Papaw” of Katie, Joshua, Aaron, Alexandra, Samantha, Cody, and Cory. He was “Big Pap” to eight beautiful great-grandchildren, dear brother of Kevin Quinlan and Susan Tarvin, devoted brother-in-law of Patricia and Michael Howcroft, and favorite uncle to Tim and Chris Howcroft.

Tom was one of the greats; he rarely met a stranger and was known and loved by so many in the community. He humbly served others all of his life, beginning with his one true love, Gayle Bodley, whom he fell in love with while serving up pickle loaf to her from the deli counter at Brown’s Super Valu. Tom fell head over heels for the vivacious Gayle, courted her, and married her in 1957. He defended his country early on in life, serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Saratoga during the Korean-Lebanon Crisis. Tom was a master butcher, serving up smiles (we lovingly called him “Grinny Gus”), steaks, and delicacies he created from his secret family recipes to the locals at Kroger and his own stores: Huber Meats in Blue Ash and Ross Meats in Remington. He had a profound effect on all who were privileged to work with and for him; his work ethic was stellar and he brought out the best in everyone.

I believe that, if you could ask him today what his biggest achievement in life was, he would say serving as husband to Gayle and raising Tom and Dawn, who then raised families of their own—these were the jewels in his crown. He worked tirelessly to be the best provider, advisor, advocate, and caretaker to his family. Because of his fierce love and devotion, and his desire to be the loving father he didn’t have when growing up, he raised two children who will be forever indebted to him for their own tender-heartedness, sense of humor, work ethic, and willingness to serve others. He was the proudest Dad, Papaw, and Big Pap on the planet, often stretching the truth of his progeny’s accomplishments a bit, because in his mind his family was heads above the rest and probably world-famous. The truth is, there will never be another like Tom Ross, from his servant’s heart for hospitality to his legendary Big Pap breakfasts. The void his passing has left will never be filled, but the legacy of his example will live on through his family.

Tom led an abundantly blessed life, and although never considered wealthy by the world’s standards, he considered himself rich beyond compare to know his Lord, Jesus Christ, and the love of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Ave, Loveland, OH 45140.