Alfred Charles Ross is, was, and will always be remembered as a strong, dedicated, and loving father. He passed away, Monday May 17, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cushing Oklahoma on February 20, 1926 to Mary Clementine (Cockrell) and Gilbert Ross. He was married first to Ruth Helen Brown and then to the love of his life Lula Fay Rowan. He married his loving wife Fay in 1967, 24 years later she passed away leaving Alfred to continue sharing his love with all of his children and their families. Having been part of the "Dust Bowl" generation, Alfred found work as a farm hand in the Arvin/Lamont area until he began his career as a switchman/brakeman for the Santa Fe Railroad. Retiring after 36 years with Santa Fe, he often visited the rail yard in downtown Bakersfield as he enjoyed visiting the life long friends he made there during his career. Alfred was a proud cultivator of his garden and was a natural green thumb. His garden flourished with vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, melons, radishes, onions, okra, etc... He always had plenty to share with family and friends and for his famous Oklahoma Chicken Stew. When indoors, you might find him reading Louis L'Amour western novels, napping, or watching his favorite television shows. When Alfred had the opportunity he thoroughly enjoyed making a trip to Las Vegas to gamble and play poker. One of his favorite hobbies was to shop for groceries with coupons, looking for the best deals as an avid saver and bargain hunter so he could share with family and friends. Alfred C. Ross was preceded in death by his wife Lula Fay Rowan Ross (1991) and is survived by his children, Dwight (Alicia) Ross, Gilbert (Idela) Ross, Karen LaFavor, Paula Wynn, Bill (Emily) Ross, and Charlotte (Charlie) Europa; grandchildren David, Loretta and Donna Europa with many more grandchildren whom he loved as well as numerous great grandchildren. To quote Alfred, "I have been blessed to have great children, I love all of them." Bob Winter, Chaplain at Optimal Hospice will officiate a graveside service for Alfred Charles Ross, age 84, of Lamont, Friday May 21, 2010 – 1pm at South Kern Cemetery District (Arvin Cemetery) with visitation Friday morning from 10 am to noon at Hopson Anspach Family Mortuary.