A graveside funeral service for Francis W. Ross, Jr., 71 of Heath will be held Thursday July 12, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the Westlawn Cemetery, Newcomerstown, Ohio with Pastor Chris Cutshall officiating. Mr. Ross died Sunday July 8, 2007 at his residence. He was born June 11, 1936 in Cambridge, Ohio to the late Francis William and Martha (Hicks) Ross, Sr. Mr. Ross retired after 36.5 years as a Calibration Technician at the Newark Air Force Base. He served nine years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Newcomerstown Moose Lodge and NAFRE. He had bowled in the Park Lanes Bowling League. He enjoyed gardening and winemaking during his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy R. (Strickmaker) Ross, whom he married September 9, 1955; son, James (Kathie) Ross of Heath; daughters, Pamela (Brad) Kittle of Newark, Michelle Phillips of Heath, Amy Ross of Heath; grandchildren, Brandon Ross, Brittany Ross, Jessica Kittle, Brandon Kittle, Todd Phillips; sisters, Diane (Richard) Fairchild of Newcomerstown, Darlene (Harold) Herndon of Newcomerstown; several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be observed Wednesday evening 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home 1850 West Main Street, Newark, Ohio. The family requests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Central Region Office - LCKG, 870 Michigan Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or Hospice of Central Ohio 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, Ohio 43055-9925. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.