Chester Wheeler Ross

Chester Wheeler Ross, Chaplain, Lt. Col., USAF, DMin, Retired.  Died at the age of 97 in the morning of August 12, 2020, in Goodland, Kansas.  Chester was born November 3, 1922, to Mylo W. Ross and Irma K. (Berning) Ross in Evansville, Indiana. 

“Chet” graduated from Mechanical Arts/Bosse High School in Evansville, Indiana.  Bachelor of Arts from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.  Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from St. Paul School of Theology, plus other domestic and international schooling. 

He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942, for WWII and served during two other wars completing 27 years of active Air Force service.  Chet received numerous military awards and medals including the Air Medal with cluster. 

Chet married Ruth Briney on August 30, 1949 by her grandfather, Rev. James S. Coppoc.  The wedding was in the garden at the Briney farm east of Goodland. 

Ruth and Chet raised 5 children: James, Deborah, Judith, Martha, and John in their travels overseas and various assignments in the USA. 

After retiring from the United States Air Force in 1975, as a Chaplain, he served in Methodist parishes at Iuka, Byers, Cullison and Ness City.  In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s he served parishes in Mentor and Bogue. 

He served 65 years in ministry.  Served on a Federal Grand Jury for many weeks.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Rotary, Military Chaplains, Kentucky Colonels, Airforce Association, Rural Chaplains, Academy of Parish Clergy, VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts (50 years and Silver Beaver), and Christian Councilors.  Plus, many other volunteer services including Fair Rides, Museum Board, Goodland Regional Medical Center Board, Hospital Auxiliary, Chaplain Services, AARP Free Tax Aid, Drivers Safety, Guardian Services for Developmentally Disabled and many others.   

Chet married into farming and helped on the Walker Briney farm during military leaves since the late 1940’s and after his retirement.  He leaves acreage in Cheyenne, Sherman, and Kit Carson counties. 

Chet believed in service to others and witnessing for Jesus Christ. 

Preceding him in death are his wife, Ruth of 65 years; his parents, Mylo and Irma; brother, Victor Ross; sister, June Kifer; grandson, Peter Cutler; and son-in-law, Robert Cutler. 

Survivors are son, James of Goodland; daughters, Deborah (Mike) Edwards of Estes Park, CO, Judith Cutler of Meridian, ID, Martha (Brian) Kruger of Ballwin, MO; son, John (Stacey) Ross of Olathe, KS; brother, Glen Ross of Evansville, IN; sister, Lois (John) Helfrick of Evansville, IN; eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; many other family, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. 

Memorial suggestions, Chester Ross Charitable Advised Fund, Goodland United Methodist Church Building Fund, or GRMC Hospital Auxiliary and may be left at the services or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS  67735.  For information and online condolences visit www.batemanfuneral.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester Wheeler Ross, please visit our floral store.