Roger "Ropey" Lee Ross

Roger “Ropey” Ross entered into eternal peace Wednesday, May 6, 2026 after a short stay at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru, Indiana.

Roger is survived by his children Kelly (Tony) Sisk, Mark (Becky) Ross, and stepson Randy Blair.  Grandchildren include Dustin (Sarah) Sisk, Jeromy (Simone) Sisk, Madison Ross and Matt and Corey Blair, honorary grandchildren Amanda Rairigh and Alisha Clark. Sister Angie (Bill) King. Nieces and nephews Carla and Cheryl Ross, Clint, Daniel, Ethan Davis and Laura McKown. Along with lots of great grandchildren.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife Vickie, parents Helen and Burdette, brothers Charles, Carl and wife Barb, brother-in-law Phil Davis, and nephew Mike Ross.

Roger was born on June 20, 1943, and was raised in Nevada, Ohio. Roger arrived at Grissom during his service in the United State Air Force from June 1961 to June 1965. He met and married Vickie Hand in 1965, and together they had two children.  In September of 1969 he joined the Peru Fire Department where he found his true calling.  He loved his 32 years of service with the PFD and while working his way through the ranks he held positions as head mechanic and lieutenant and eventually retired as Captain.  While working at PFD he made sure the whole fire station was decorated for Christmas. Members of PFD have told us stories about how strict Roger was about his schedule, you could set a clock by what activity he was doing around the fire station.

While working at PFD he and a couple of firemen decided to purchase Miami Trucking in March of 1976 and owned it for 40 years until 2016.  He was Secretary/Treasurer until 2001 when he had his first stroke.  He was proud of Miami Trucking and loved being behind the wheel of a dump truck, even more if Kelly or Mark was riding beside him. He was still involved late in life running trips to part supply stores around the state to keep the trucks running.

Roger wasn’t one for sitting still, he owned several classic cars during his lifetime. The 1957 Chevy being his favorite car of all time.  When at home he was in the garage making sure there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere near his beloved cars. 

As much as he loved his work-life, he loved his family the most all the way to the end. No matter what his condition was, how weak and frail, he still fought to show love. During his last day he hugged his great-grandchildren repeated times, he smiled at them and loved them. He showed kindness to all of his caretakers. In those last few hours, Roger showed us what living life truly means and how easy it is to take for granted. Something he NEVER did. Every second matters. Don’t waste it. He battled until the end not because he was leaving us, he battled because he loved us.

A celebration of life will be held June 20th, 2026 at Flowers Leedy Funeral Home from 11 am to 1pm, spoken service at 1pm followed by graveside placement of Roger and Vickie’s urns at Mount Hope Cemetery.  Roger was a lifetime member of the Peru Maennerchor, family and friends will be gathering there after the graveside service.              

In honor of Roger's love for children, memorial contributions may be given to the Peru Fire Department Local 383 “Christmas for Kids.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.                                                                                                                                                                         

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