Donald Eugene Ross (“Don”) was born on September 5, 1932, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the only son of John and Juanita Ross. Don moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1940 and later attended Los Angeles City College, where he met his future wife, Alida Jane Greene (“Jane”), whom he married in 1955. Shortly after their wedding, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years as a general’s secretary in Bavaria, Germany, where Jane accompanied him.
Don and Jane eventually purchased Rancho Flowers, Gifts & Antiques on Magnolia Blvd. Under Don’s leadership and with his extraordinary vision, the store became renowned across Southern California as the go-to destination for flowers, fine antiques, gifts, and decorations. During the holiday season, Don and the Rancho team transformed the store into a Christmas wonderland that delighted generations of families.
After retiring from Rancho in the early 1980s, Don kept doing what he loved: working as an interior decorator, traveling the world with his beloved wife, and tending his spectacular English garden at their home in Toluca Lake.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jane, in 2000 and his daughter, Deborah, in 1992. He is survived by his two sons, Brett (Karen) Ross and David (Gloria) Ross, and his four grandchildren, Matthew, Katie, Jonathan and Gabrielle. He loved his family immensely and was a constant presence in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Don proudly hosted family Christmas and Easter celebrations in consummate Rancho fashion: with an exquisitely decorated home and tablescapes that would put Martha Stewart to shame.
Don loved the finer things in life. He was a captivating storyteller and relished any opportunity to tell (or re-tell) one of his many anecdotes. Don loved to laugh, listen to beautiful music, and enjoy a good meal at his favorite haunts around town. He was a faithful Christian, and his beliefs and values guided him throughout his life. Don lived with an infectious joie de vivre that was evident to all who knew him, whether for a brief moment or for decades.
Don’s passing is deeply felt by his family and friends, but his spirit of kindness, generosity, devotion, and a life lived to the fullest will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
