Stephen Ross

Stephen Gerard Ross, 62, formerly of Benton, Missouri, passed Monday, July 10, 2023, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by family.

Steve was born Feb. 18, 1961, in Cape Girardeau to Tom and Virginia Ross. He was one of seven children. He grew up in New Hamburg, Missouri, and Benton and graduated from Thomas W. Kelly High School in 1979 with technical training in electronics.

His expertise in problem-solving led to his long career in computer support and sales. He began his career with Olivetti and then worked with NCR Corp. from 1983-2001. His job roles included customer support, product management and sales support in NCR's locations in Columbia, South Carolina; Atlanta; and San Diego. Steve's genuine and engaging presentation style and customer skills allowed him to travel throughout the U.S. and internationally, including many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt and South Africa. Steve retired from NCR and moved back to Southeast Missouri to be closer to family.

He was a successful, adventurous and a spiritual man. Those who knew him would describe him as "just a great guy!" He loved family gatherings and planned many reunions, trips, family golf tournaments and similar events over the years. Steve enjoyed world travel and cultivating many friendships throughout his work and travel adventures.

He also loved golf, boating, snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, bonfires, good food and a "fine glass of wine". His love of golf led him to volunteer at the U.S. Open Championship on three occasions. Steve bungee-jumped in Australia, star-gazed in Egypt, visited Jamaica and Hawaii frequently and followed the Lewis and Clark Trail all the way to Canada. He enjoyed volunteering and was part of the Red Cross relief team after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. He was a gifted listener, loved helping people and put others first.

He is survived by his mother and five siblings, Regina Sander of Scott City, Kevin Ross of Jackson, Tim (Georgie) Ross of Benton, Kenny (Donna) Ross of Marble Hill, Missouri, and Cindy Ross of Cape Girardeau; three nieces; 10 nephews; five great-nieces/nephews; and his best friend, Douglas Fears of South Carolina, currently in Kazakhstan.

Steve was preceded in death by his father and sister, Robin Ross.

The family is most appreciative of the care and compassion received from the first responders, the staff at Southeast Hospital and Mid-America Transplant. Although Steve accomplished many things in his life, one of the greatest is that he was able to save others as an organ donor.

Visitation will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Benton.

Funeral will follow at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.