Ross L. Thomas

Ross L. Thomas age 74 of Howard City, died Thursday, March 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 24, 1950 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Walter and Lessie (Mockerman) Thomas Sr. Ross dedicated his life to working hard. He had a strong work ethic and believed in always giving 100%, if not he said it wasn’t worth doing. He started working at a young age holding several jobs, but was most known for being the “Garbage Man”, working for Misner’s Disposal which became Cook’s Sanitation in Big Rapids, and later Waste Management where he finished his career. He had a love for tractors, Jack Daniels, lifted vehicles, his 1972 “Old No 7” Chevy Truck, his 1978 Chevy Blazer and showing his 1979 Chevy Orange Truck. He enjoyed the music of John Prine, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Willie Nelson, Steve Earl and many others playing on Outlaw Country. He loved to drive and everything was a road trip to him including the family vacations. You never knew where you were going to end up when you got in a vehicle with him. Ross had a large friend group, he knew somebody everywhere he went. He was a part of the Howdy Doody 4 Wheelers for many years having mud bogs and truck pulls in Sand Lake, MI, living his best life. He was always known for wearing his hat backwards, saying he was always one step ahead of everyone else. Ross loved giving the grandkids tractor rides of all variations, sometimes in a wagon, on the seats or in the bucket. Along with eating ice cream on the deck watching thunderstorms. He taught his kids 15 minutes early is on time. He enjoyed watching all our sporting events and pushed us hard to give 100%. He always said there is a lot to learn from Paul Harvey and that is the rest of the story. Surviving are his wife, Deb (Telder) whom he married on October 21, 1972; children, Heather (Darryl) Eckert, Becki (Chad) Garchow, Jack (Cindy) Thomas; grandchildren, Chandler (Emily) Eckert, Cierra Eckert (Brayden), Gracie Garchow (Bailey), Sydney Garchow, Bryce (Allison) Thomas; great granddaughter, Willow Eva Eckert; brother, Earl (Judy) Thomas; sisters, Mickey Keen, Kay (Ross) Merlington; in-laws, Cheryl (Bill) Boezwinkle, Rick (Paula) Telder; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, William and Agnes Telder; grandson, Casey Eckert; brother, Pat (Betsy) Randall; brothers-in-law, George Keen and Greg Telder. A special thanks to Nikole from Corewell Health Hospice. The family will greet friends Monday, March 24 from 4:00 pm until time of service at 6:30 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mr. Earl Thomas officiating. Private interment Coral Cemetery.