Claremore - Michael Eugene Ross passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, in his home around 1:45 pm; he had one more month to go to turn 74. He was born July 25, 1951, at the Cherokee Indian Hospital in Claremore, OK.

The graveside funeral service for Michael will be held at Wards Grove Cemetery in Foyil, OK, under the direction of Rice Funeral Service. He will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10:00 am. To honor Michael, a "Celebration of Michael's Life" will be held at his home, located at 17447 E. 380 Rd. Claremore, OK 74017, on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Michael was greeted in Heaven by John Ross (his great-great-grandfather, Chief of the Cherokee Nation), his parents, Theodore Roosevelt (Ted) and Melba (Brigg) Ross, his brothers: Frank, Leslie, Teddy, Edward Dee, and Donald Ray Ross, his younger sister: Pamela Sue Darnell, and his first wife Francis (Patton, Jones)

Michael is survived by his wife, Glenda Ross, and her daughter Mechelle Johnson (Craig), and her daughters Robbyn and Micha; his sister, Leah Lowe, and her three sons welcome you to his "Celebration of Life" this Friday between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.

At the age of 14, Michael made a selfless decision to quit school and support his family when his father fell ill. He took up various jobs, including maintenance work at the Will Rogers Motel in Claremore, OK, and installing septic tanks, gas, and water lines. His dedication and hard work led him to obtain his CDL license at 18, and he embarked on a career in truck driving, hauling concrete, coal, diesel fuel, and heavy equipment.

In 1975, Michael went to work in the coal mines; while working, he attended night school. He became an Auxiliary and Reserve Highway Patrolman in Rogers County, Oklahoma. Michael did this for about two years. During this time, he continued working in the coal mines; in March of 2005, Michael became disabled and was forced to retire.

Although he never had children of his own, Michael and his first wife, Francis, helped raise a granddaughter and nephew and helped numerous family members and friends when they were going through a rough time.

Michael's love for nature and animals was a defining part of his life. He cherished every opportunity to fish and hunt, often seen on the lake or in the woods with his nephew or a friend. His evenings were spent in his garage, with the doors open, enjoying music and observing the wildlife, a peaceful and serene routine that brought him joy.