John Franklin Ross

Mr. John Franklin Ross, age 80, of Madison, Indiana, was born on October 18, 1945, in Madison to the late William Irwin Ross and Elma Francis O'Connell Ross. John was a lifelong resident of the community he loved and a man who dedicated his life to serving others. John was a 1963 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School and went on to attend Ivy Tech Community College, where he earned an associate's degree in electronics. He also proudly served six years in the Army Reserves. On December 16, 1965, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Jane Hay in Jamestown, Tennessee. This happy union of 61 years was blessed with sons, John Michael and Scott William. After completing his education and military service, John built a remarkable career at Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corp., where he worked for 40 years as a performance supervisor before retiring. If you knew John, you knew he was all about helping other people. Service to others wasn't just something he did; it was who he was. Whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor or showing up for his community, John lived with a quiet dedication to making life better for those around him. Outside of work, John was a man who loved to stay active and have a good time. For years, he played adult league softball at John Paul Park and hit the court twice a week for basketball with his friends from the State Hospital, E.O. Muncie, and Lydia Middleton. His true happy place, though, was Eagle's Haven Golf Course in downtown Madison, where he had been playing since he was a kid. When he wasn't on the course or the field, you could find him with a fishing rod in hand, cheering on I.U. Basketball, or following his beloved Cincinnati Reds. John was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Madison. His quiet faith and generous heart touched the lives of many, and his kindness will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. John died on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2:05 p.m. at his residence in Madison, Indiana.

Please Click Here to View the Video Tribute

A LOVING FAMILY John will be missed by his loving wife of 61 years Rhonda Jane Hay Ross of Madison, Indiana; his loving sons, John Michael Ross, and his wife Brooke of Alexandria, Virginia, Scott William Ross, and his wife Sarah of Madison, Indiana; his two grandchildren, Jonah Ross and Amanda Dant; his two great-grandchildren; his sister, Jean Goebel and her husband, David of Madison, Indiana; his several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, William Irwin Ross who passed away on January 11, 1967; his mother, Elma Francis O'Connell Ross who passed away on April 10, 1976; his siblings and their spouses, Joann Lang, Laura Phillips, William Ross, Virginia Shelley and Jackie Nolan; his niece, Kimberly Goebel who passed away on July 9, 2019.

MEMORIAL CEREMONYA memorial ceremony will be conducted Friday, July 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., by Deacon Mike Gardner at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.

MILITARY HONORS

A final salute with military honors will be provided by the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion.

VISITATION Friends may call Friday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.

MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to Jonah Ross Education Fund. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at the church. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com

To Place An Online Memorial Donation, Please Click Here.

Ordering Information for Floral Tributes, Please Click Here.