Kim Leon Ross

Kim Leon Ross, 74, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on April 4, 2025. Kim was born on August 16, 1950, in Horton, Kansas, to Donald and Elsie Ross. He was the youngest of three siblings, with his sisters, Kathryn and Kandace. At the age of three, Kim and his family moved to Topeka, Kansas, to follow his father’s career.

As a child, Kim was passionate about sports and was actively involved in church, scouting, and 4-H. However, his true love was basketball, a passion he carried throughout his life. He graduated from Topeka West High School and continued his education while playing basketball at Independence Community College. Kim went on to earn a degree in education at Phillips University. Though he briefly tried teaching and coaching in the Topeka School District, he soon realized that his true calling was working with people, not grading papers, so he explored other career opportunities.

Aside from his career, Kim shared his love of skiing with his children, whether on the water or the snow, and enjoyed many church-sponsored snow skiing trips as a chaperone. Throughout his life, he was often found on the volleyball court, softball field, basketball court, and even participating in innertube water polo. For many years, Kim volunteered as a coach and referee for the Upward Basketball program at First Baptist Church in Topeka, where he was a dedicated member for over 50 years. During this time, he also belted out tunes as a beloved member of the church choir.

Kim’s green thumb became evident as he spent countless hours tending to his garden and Koi ponds. His love for sports was legendary, whether it was a Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, or Kansas City Chiefs game, Kim was always watching. If you ever needed to know the exact game time for any of them, all you had to do was ask him.

Kim’s life and career was defined by a selfless dedication to service. Whether he was stocking shelves at Dillon’s, working the cashiers’ cage at a casino, or helping customers at Walmart, he found joy in serving others. He frequently donated blood, more than 15 gallons to the American Red Cross over his lifetime. In his later years, Kim moved to the Health Care Resort of Olathe, where he became the unofficial resort ambassador and president of the residents’ council. He also developed a surprising new hobby: puzzles. He completed nearly 200 puzzles, most of which he framed and gave as gifts. It’s safe to say he gave more puzzles than Santa gave toys.

Kim’s legacy of kindness, laughter, and love for life will continue to resonate with all who knew him. He is survived by his sister Kandace; children, Stephanie (Stephen) Sullinger, Mike (Lauren) Ross, Alissa (Craig) Emme, and Jeff Ross; grandchildren, Annika (JT), Gavin, McKenna, Dash, Quinn, Ryder, and Eleanor; great-granddaughter, Finley; and several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Elsie, his sister Kathryn, and his beloved wife, Patty.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00am with the visitation starting at 9am at First Baptist Church in Topeka. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Church, Everest, KS at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church - Upward Basketball.

Kim will be missed, but his infectious laughter, love for sports, and his ability to make everyone feel like a friend will continue to warm our hearts.

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