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BORN
1958
DIED
2017
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Raymond Gross Obituary
1958 - 2017
Raymond "Ray" William Gross, 58, of Wilder, ID, passed away at home on March 17, 2017 after a courageous battle with Stage IV Sarcoma Cancer. He was born in Caldwell, ID to Charles "Hank" and Ruth Gross on July 24, 1958. He was the third of five children, raised on the family farm in Wilder. Ray was active in high school sports and went on to play football in college, followed by many years of city league basketball.
After college, he returned to Wilder to pursue farming. In 1980, Ray met a city girl from Boise named Diane Wilder. They were married May 22, 1982 and were blessed with two daughters. Throughout their marriage, Ray, Diane, and the girls enjoyed traveling and spending time with extended family and friends. He had a love for flying his 180 Cessna in the backcountry of Idaho where he could be found camping, hiking, and taking time to retreat with others. Ray also enjoyed teaching his daughters how to water and snow ski at the family cabin.
He loved supporting his daughters in their athletic careers through high school and college. Ray was well known by players, parents, coaches and fans as the best giver of high fives, hugs, and encouragement to those who needed it most. He shared a special bond with his son-in-law Logan, and was charmed by the presence of his granddaughter Emmie.
Ray was a dedicated farmer who believed in God, family, hard work, integrity, and kindness to others. This was evident through his caring presence in the community. He formed many relationships through his involvement in local and regional leadership committees, farming opportunities, and his personal life. Ray took time to listen, connect, and let people know that he was genuinely invested in their lives. He was a humble man who spoke with a gentle spirit and great intention. Ray was forgiving, faithful, and loved his family well.
Ray is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diane, their children, Jenny & Logan Brown, granddaughter Emmie Brown, Stacie Gross, and his siblings Doug & Mary Gross, Joanne & Bob Graff, Judy & Barry Crandell, Chris Gross, and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Hank & Ruth Gross.
Services will be held on March 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Valley Church, 2900 Life Way, Caldwell, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel and condolences may be shared with Ray's family in his online tribute at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.
We would like to thank Dr. Norman Zukerman, the entire MSTI staff, St. Luke's Hospital, and everyone who supported Ray and our family during this time.
The family asks memorial donations be made to Idaho Youth Ranch, Wilder High School Athletic Department or Idaho Youth Sports Commission.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Gross
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
August 21, 2017
Dear Diane, Bob & I were so sorry to recently hear of Ray's passing this past spring. Words can't adequately convey our sorrow in your loss. May the love of your family & friends and the many wonderful memories continue to hold you up.
Lori & Bob Topp
March 28, 2017
Diane:
Although we only met that one time on New Years Eve at the Bonefish Grill, we will always remember your telling us about Ray and his disease. Sadly we read his passing and felt the loss with you and wanted to let you know how we felt.
As a side note, you were so generous to give us a bottle of your Mint Oil for our sore joints and it has made a big difference for both of us. We will always be very appreciative of generosity!
God bless you and your family,
Jeanette and Bob Bennett, Boise
Luis Caloca
March 25, 2017
I am very sorry to hear the news. Though I can't be there in person, condolences from the Caloca Family. Ray took me on my first flight out of the Van Slyke airstrip when I was a kid. I will always have fond memories of him.
Susan Kenney
March 24, 2017
Ah, Diane...what a sad time for you, I'm so sorry for your loss of your dear Ray. Years have passed since we were connected, but I remember his kindness, gentleness and grace so very well. He was a truly noble spirit, and his love for you and his family were apparent in how he spoke, his presence and his actions. I know you will miss him terribly, and my prayer is that time will pass quickly and your sorrow may be infused with gratitude and loving memories of a life so well lived! Many blessings of love and healing for you and your family, and joyous new adventures for your beloved Ray. With love and affection always, even with this heavy heart, I wish you peace, Diane. God Bless.
Wes and Leslie Barker
March 24, 2017
Dear Diane, I am so sad to hear about Ray's departure from this world and so sorry for your loss. We offer our deep sympathy and condolences on his passing. I was always impressed with Ray and his ability to take care of his family and work hard to take care of you all. I pray that you and your girls will be comforted by knowing that he, of all people, is in heaven watching over you. May he rest in peace and may God Bless You and your family and help give you strength during this grieving time and help heal your hearts. We had the honor of knowing him and being a small part of his family, for that we are thankful. Wes and Leslie Barker
Carolyn Harrison
March 24, 2017
Dear Diane,
Tom and I want to tell you how much we loved working with your wonderful husband! He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
We wish you and your family all the support and love the dear Lord can give you at this time.
In His Name,
Carolyn and Tom Harrison
March 23, 2017
Diane and family, we send our deepest sympathy and condolences, we hope you can have peace in knowing he isn't sufferindg.love Suz Ann and Albert Irusta
David McLenna
March 23, 2017
Diane
My condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Karen & Ray Franz
March 22, 2017
We are truly sorry for your great loss. Diane and family, we send our sincere simpathy and wish our condolences were more helpful. We know you have a great loss and will be praying for all of you. If we could ever be of any help to you or your family, just let us know. Karen and Ray Franz
Harvey Anderson
March 22, 2017
My condolences and prayers go out to the Gross family for their recent loss. May Ray be at peace in the Lord.
Virgie Morton
March 22, 2017
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Ray for your kindness and generosity. I'm so blessed to have you part of my life. You were the best and exceptional person I've ever met and it was an honor to be able to help you with your banking needs. So long and goodbye...
Jeffrey Jensen
March 22, 2017
Good bye to an outstanding young man who's acquaintance enriched my life. My condolences to his wife and family.
March 22, 2017
my condolences to the "entire" Ray Gross family. I feel I was one of the "lucky" ones to have met and enjoyed conversations, enthusiasm, sincerity, it was a real honor to have Ray call me a friend.
Greg j. Pence
Diana Watkins Combs
March 22, 2017
So sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. May the lord give you peace and comfort in this time of grief.
Chris Leman
March 22, 2017
Though I only new Ray for brief period in his life, we came to be very good friends and without a doubt one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. I will truly miss him but this memory will stay with me always. My condolences to the family. My prayers go out to him and the family.
Jean Pratt
March 22, 2017
My heart is saddened by this news. Condolences to the family from both of us. Brendan always enjoyed playing you in sports. Brendan and Jean (Trunnell) Pratt
David Ingram
March 21, 2017
My most humble condolences to the Gross family. May the Lord give you comfort & peace. Blessings.
March 21, 2017
I forgot to sign my name on my message ...Tammi Cagle Tibbett
March 21, 2017
Raymond was one of a kind he will be deeply missed. Thank you Ray for being my friend since 1st grade. Love you my friend
Reymundo Rodriguez
March 20, 2017
The Rodriguez Family expresses their condolences to the Gross family on the passing of Raymond. He was a good friend and he will be missed. While he may be gone from this earth, he is watching from above and hopefully that brings comfort to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Ray.
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