Creig Ross

Creig Ross, 73, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, in Corvallis, with his family by his side. He died of causes incident to kidney and liver disease. Creig was born June 26, 1938, to Stephen Laren and Christa Anna Ross in Tridell, Utah. Seven other children waited to greet him, with one brother to follow. He grew up on a farm, and learned the value of hard work and good living. He enjoyed playing sports in high school, and was part of the Future Farmers of America, raising pigs to show. Creig met Phyllis Campbell in Sparks, Nev., while spending the summer laying brick for his brother. He asked her to wait for him while he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. Two years later, he came home and married his sweetheart on Aug. 17, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple. Weber State University was where Creig received his bachelor's degree in education. He began his career teaching physical education for 23 schools in Ogden City, Utah. Five years later, he took a job as a sales representative for Scott Foresman Publishing Co., which took him and his young family to California, where they lived for 21 years. Creig taught his six children the value of hard work and humor, the importance of treating people with love and respect, and, most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1991, Creig and Phyllis moved to Corvallis to be closer to family. Creig retired in 1994, which freed up time to spend working at his hobby in real estate. The Rosses purchased and built several apartment buildings, and he enjoyed managing them. Other hobbies he enjoyed were horses, working in the yard, playing tennis, traveling around the United States and abroad, and spending time with family. During 2002 to 2010, Creig and Phyllis served missions for their church. The first was an education mission, working with youth in the Marshall Islands. They also served temple missions in Nauvoo, Ill. Creig spent much of the last year of his life serving in the Portland, Oregon Temple Presidency. The temple was truly Creig's favorite place to be. Creig was involved in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He received his wood badge, and was Scoutmaster twice. He enjoyed the many 50-milers and hiking trips he took with his sons and their fellow Scouts. He also was the National Bookman's Association president, and was on a school board as well as being PTA president. He was active in his local Republican party, serving as a precinct chairman. He enjoyed a life of service to others. His family and friends will greatly miss him -his way of making you feel important, his encouragement for everyone to be their best, and mostly his positive outlook on life! Creig is survived by a great posterity: his wife, Phyllis Renee Campbell Ross; six children, Renee Lopez (Tom), Lori Gibbs (Richard), Stephanie Buckley (Jonathan), Lindsay Ross (Katie), Scott Ross (Misty) and Kayleen Skinlo (David); also 26 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Farrel Ross (Della) and Steven Ross (Janette); and two sisters, Glenna Anderson (Dale) and Joan Buckwalter (Ray). A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 4141 N.W. Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. A viewing will be held one hour before. If desired, donations can be made to the Temple Patron Fund, or Benton Hospice Service.

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Creig Ross

June 26, 1938 - February 15, 2012