After a life spent learning, teaching and traveling Ross Mahr Reed passed away April 21, 2024, at the age of 85. Ross grew up in Essex County, New Jersey, with his mother, Hazel June Mahr and later with stepfather, Rexton Matthew Reed and brother, Rexton (Smokey) Allen Reed.

Ross attended the University of Virginia for his freshman year of college and later transferred to the University of South Carolina on a Navy ROTC scholarship, where he met his wife, Claire.

He earned his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Wings at Pensacola. He retired from the Navy after 23 years at NAS Whidbey Island and lived in Oak Harbor for the rest of his life.

He taught history at both the high school and college levels throughout his career, including world and American history at Oak Harbor High School from 1984 to 2001, where he also coached the debate team for several years. Ross sang in the An-O-Chords barbershop choir for many years. He was also a dedicated volunteer, directing the “Keep America Singing” program that taught elementary students classic Americana songs. Ross is survived by his wife of 61 years, Claire; children Karen (Scott Kunnanz) and Mark (Charlotte); grandchild Ethan.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held July 17 at 1 p.m. at the Skyline Marina Cabana in Anacortes. There will be plenty of music, and guests are asked to dress festively. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to WAIF, to honor Ross’s love for cats. The other memorial fund is to support music education by giving to the Oak Harbor High School.