Services for Perry Don Ross, 88, of Ada are 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Criswell Funeral Home, Pastor Chad Large will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Perry passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023 at his home. He was born January 14, 1935 in Ada, OK to Robert Curtis and Nora Mae Cantrell Ross.
Perry Don Ross aka “Turtle Man” was a deeply devoted Husband, Father, Papa and friend to many. His family always came first no matter what. His children and grandchildren were his world and he had a very special close bond with his great grandchildren as well. He was a devoted teacher, and many of his students remained friends long after he retired. Perry was very proud of the fact that he owned over 100 cars in his life and was happy to share that fact with anyone who would listen. He had a hobby of making turtles out of nutshells and he dearly loved to give them away and see the smiles they generated. He was a jack of all trades. He built beautiful furniture and handcrafted one-of-a-kind fiddles. He restored many old vehicles in his day and even had his name in the movie credits for building a Model T for the Dillinger movie. Perry had a few famous quotes as well. “Bet ya can’t guess how old I am” and “It’s unreal really”! Prairie Kitchen was his favorite place to eat out and they were his family too. He loved life and he lived every single minute to the fullest. He loved to talk and visit and he never met a stranger. He will be truly missed by all and he left a legacy that will be forever remembered and cherished.
He is survived by his daughter, Shelly A. Reich, of the home; son, Rickey Don Ross and wife Pam, of Ada; brother, Curtis A. Ross; five grandchildren, Krystal Harrison and husband Shad, Stephanie Manuel, Amanda Lusby and husband Paul, Kimberly Manuel, and Lane Flanagan and wife Nigel; 14 great grandchildren, Trevor Harrison and Jayme, Patrick Harrison, Connor Harrison, Asher Rudd, Ayla Hurley, Remington Flanagan, Axel Flanagan, Bailee Shields, Easton Gould, Tushka Gould, Ashden Rowell, Jaylen Rowell, Rhian Lusby and Kenton Lusby; and a special granddog, Sissy.
Perry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nora Ross; wife, Arie L. Ross and brother, Billy Leon Ross.
Bearers are Mark Manuel, Malcolm Tartsah, Ashden Rowell, Lane Flanagan, Shad Harrison and Trevor Harrison.
Special thanks go out to Halo Hospice. Heather, Molly, Stephanie and Marsha, thank you for your love. Enhabit Home Health team, Amber, Christy and Callie. Amber especially, you truly went above and beyond your call. Dr. Priddle and Samantha, Josh Corley and Neidra Foley Young, thank you for taking such great care of him and making him smile.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
