John R. Ross, 87, of Streator passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the ARC of Streator.

  Funeral services will be private.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator.  The Solon-Telford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

  Born May 24, 1937 in Streator he was the son of Richard J. and Leone (Stash) Ross.  He married Darlene A. Redd on April 24, 1957.  She preceded him in death on October 8, 2018.

  He is survived by a son, Jake (Alli Pratt) Speed of Wisconsin; a brother Richard Ross of Iowa; an aunt, Pauline Stash of Texas; brothers and sisters in law, Robert Redd of Streator, William (Dilma) Redd of Florida, Linda (Rick) Zurlinden of Streator, Carole Hall of Streator, June Redd of Ottawa and Jolanka Redd of Streator; very special family friends, Babs Freitas of California and Annie (Leon) Phoenix and their children, Rosemary and Nolan of Louisiana; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers and sisters in law, Betty Ross, Sherri Redd, Gerald “Butch” Hall, Jack Redd, Daniel and Loretta Morris, Leon Redd, Frances “Frank” Redd and Ellen Redd.

  Born and raised in Streator he attended local grade schools and graduated from Streator High School.

  He worked for Owens Illinois Glass in Streator until 1974 when he transferred to the Oakland, California Owens location until his retirement in 2000.  He worked as a Mold Maker in the Mold Shop.

  After spending 25 years in California, he and his wife Darlene returned to Streator for their retirement.

  John and Darlene loved traveling and enjoyed their yearly trips to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas.  He loved classic cars and belonged to a car club in California. He was also a NASCAR enthusiast and collected memorabilia. 

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com