Richard Thomas Ross and Leticia (“Letty”) Acosta Asuncion Ross, a devoted couple married for 50 years, entered eternal rest in 2025—Richard on March 15 and Leticia on September 3.
Richard was born on December 29, 1948, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Harold Ross and Alice Duncan. He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1967, continued his education at Manhattan Area Technical College, and proudly served four years in the United States Navy. Following his service, he worked for the Manhattan Post Office, where he later retired.
Leticia was born on June 3, 1943, in Olongapo, Philippines, to Pedro and Teodora Acosta Asuncion. She graduated from Olongapo High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines. After moving to Kansas, she first worked at McCall’s Pattern Company before devoting herself to raising her two daughters. She later worked as a food supervisor at Marlatt Elementary School and eventually found her calling with Sodexo at Kansas State University, where she loved catering events and serving the student athletes. Letty cherished her work, her coworkers, and the community she built there. She was also an active member of the FILSA (Filipino Student Association) community, where she helped many Filipino students adjust to life at Kansas State and in Kansas.
Richard and Letty met in the Philippines while Richard was stationed there with the Navy in the early 1970s. Their love story began in Manila and continued when they married on January 20, 1975, in Manhattan, Kansas. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.
Richard enjoyed fishing, cheering on Kansas State football, following the Atlanta Braves, and sharing his love of Rock ’n’ Roll music. He was a collector at heart, with a special fondness for hats, coins, and stamps. Letty loved to cook, serve others, and share her warmth with family and friends. Both cherished family gatherings, trips to California, Las Vegas, Branson, and frequent visits to Prairie Band Casino.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Ross and Alice Duncan. He is survived by his brother, David Ross; and sisters, Marcia Woolsey and Susan (David) Burton.
Leticia was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Teodora Acosta Asuncion and her sister Lourdes Asuncion Blurete. She is survived by her twin sister, Tess (Vic) Niegas.
Together, Richard and Letty are survived by two daughters, Christina Davin and Michelle (Robbie) Collins; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A graveside service honoring Leticia will be announced at a later time and will be held at the Welcome Cemetery, near Alta Vista, Kansas.