Mark Jay Ross
December 3, 1947 ~ January 13, 2021
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Mark Jay Ross, loving husband and father of two sons, passed away at the age of 73. Mark was born in Suffern, New York, and was an avid fan of airplanes from a young age. He grew up to prove this by getting a degree in aerospace engineering and working as a pilot for Cessna, followed by Flight Test Analysis with Boeing, as well as joining the Civil Air Patrol. He was a pillar of the Jewish community, and regularly would volunteer for events at his temple. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Ethel Ross. Mark is survived by his wife, Kiela; sister, Mindy (Wayne Ouderkirk) Ross; brother, Neil (Janice) Ross; and two sons, Joseph and Andy. A private family service will be Friday, January 15. Service will be available to view beginning at 10:00 am by clicking "Watch Event" below. Graveside Service will be at 10:45 am, Friday, January 15, at the Congregation Emanu-El Section of Highland Cemetery. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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I worked hand in hand with Mark at Congregation Emanu-El for many, many years and we also served together on the Temple’s Brotherhood board. He was a friend and the ultimate “MENSCH” and I am honored to have known him. Peter Grant
Mark was a dear friend for more than 30 years, present, along with Kiela, at so many major events in our lives, good and bad. His kindness, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit will certainly be missed. — Desiree Greene and family🌹
Mark, I wish I had the chance to know you. I listened to my dearest friend Tom describe you and could see in his eyes and in hear in his voice how he valued your friendship and will forever cherish your memory. That is a wonderful legacy. Your unmet friend Larry
Mark made giving of himself seem effortless. Perhaps it became so, he trained that muscle system so well so young. Clearly his parents did right by him and so they & God did for me who met him in September of his years. I am sad yes, but Humbled more and literate by his warm example of Living & giving.
Sharing some early photos of Mark with his siblings, circa 1952-54. My cousin Mark was always a sunny, smiling, generous person. I will miss him. – Jodi
I met Mark as a teenager attending Oklahoma State in 1969. Among his many accomplishments and interest was that he served as President of the “Flying Aggies”, an aviation club. He also worked as a DJ for the school radio channel. All this while he was a full time student earning his Airframe/ Power plant license and pilots ratings. I am thankful for having Mark in my life. He was bright, thoughtful, and caring. At times it was like having your own Rabbi. Mark was an excellent listener and offered practical advise. I was very fortunate to have Mark as a good friend for over 50 years and will forever miss him. He was a great guy. Tom Johnson
Mark was a cherished co-worker of mine at Boeing. He always kept me up on funny stories and posts that made us laugh. Love you Kiela! I am glad he share you as a friend of mine.
A beautiful eulogy befitting a beautiful human being, that I was blessed to know as a friend. His kindness, and selfless acts of good deeds will always define his life and memories for me. My love and condolences to Kiela, Joe, Andy, and family. Jene Fisher
Although I am a relative newcomer to Wichita, I had plenty of chances to get to know and appreciate Mark. He was always friendly and ready for a chat. He also was kind enough to pick me up at the airport when I came back late in the evening from a trip and my son was out of town and could not meet me. I join you in mourning his passing and hope that you will be able to remember the good times you shared with him. With my warmest regard, Lotti Eichhorn
Mark led us through our entire first service at Congregation Emanu-El. He also introduced us to others. He was always so welcoming and friendly. I enjoyed the opportunities I had to talk to him. He was amazing in what he did for others and the congregation. I will miss his presence and our chats. My condolences to the Ross Family.
Whenever you saw Mark at Congregation Emanu-El he’d take the time to stop, say hello, and check up on you. He knew everybody’s name, and was, as Peter Grant said, a mensch. Deli Day will not be the same without Mark leading the parking brigade in his orange vest. A loss for his family and the Wichita Jewish community.
Mark was a great guy and a wonderful asset to Congregation Emanu-El and the Jewish community in Wichita. He was kind and friendly to everyone. This photo is from my Roast in 2004.
Mark was a ground school instructor in one of my classes when I was working towards my private pilots license when Boeing was still in Wichita. Condolences to the Ross family.
I grew up with Mark in Suffern, NY — 1st grade through high school. His parents and mine were the closest of friends, and the two families socialized a lot (including my brother Steve and his brother and sister, Neil and Mindy). Although we corresponded by email over the past decade or so we didn’t actually see each other again until our 50th high school reunion in 2016, where we had some good time together. I just watched the video of his stone unveiling. It was great to see how beloved he was by his family and community in Wichita, which is no surprise.