Frank “Red” Elmer Ploss, age 83, died Saturday, August 2, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at his home that he built with his own hands fifty years ago. Born May 25, 1925 in Wayne Township, Corry, he was a son of the late Nelis E. Ploss and Lenora Silvernail Ploss Cox.
Ploss, Frank Mr. Ploss is survived by his wife, Patricia Wynn Spencer Ploss, whom he married 43 years ago on March 11, 1965. He is also survived by six daughters: Rebecca Bunting and husband Bruce of Venango, Clover Salas and husband Justo of Salem, OR, Susan Loomis of Conneaut, OH, Brenda Gainey and husband Larry of Union City, Laura Fisher and husband Larry of Corry, and Hillary Southworth of Erie; three sons: Timothy Ploss and wife Jennifer of Erwin, TN, Robin Ploss and wife Penny of North Port, FL, Bobby Ploss of Girard and his wife Jacqueline of the Netherlands; five brothers: Sheldon G. Ploss and wife Dorothy of Erie, Charles N. Ploss of Wesleyville, Raymond Horn and wife Nellie of Harborcreek, Nelis T. Ploss Jr. and wife Linda of Corry, and Johnnie E. Ploss and wife Shirley of Union City; eight sisters, Gladys Garske and husband Eddie of Wimauma, FL, Wilma Hawkins and husband George of Albion, Lillian Takach and husband John of East Springfield, Lila Hoover and husband Bob, also of East Springfield, Wanita Orzechowski of Erie, and Marlena Biebel and husband Richard of Union City.
He is also survived by his caregiver, Tracy Morrison, who is also a family friend and adopted daughter; and friends: Carl Smith and friends, Pam and Sparkie Edwards, and his childhood sweetheart, Lucille Mooney Pratt of Jacksonville, FL; 19 grandchildren: Lori, Gregg, Mark, Mindy, John Jr., Janel, Chad, Crystal, Timmy, Amber, Christine, Ashley, Brett, Brittany, Brendan, Jessica, Erica, Sarah, and Brady; 6 great-grandchildren: Shawna, Chablis, Trevan, Dakota, Asia Marie, and Summer Rayne; several step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Ploss is preceded in death by three brothers: Raymond Spears, Kenneth Spears, and Amos York; six sisters: Lorna Chrzanowski, Linda Dyne, Ethel Kalke, Lavina Brown-Frew-Patch, Marian Herbe, and Alice Wade; a daughter, Nancy Ploss Wright; a son, Frank E. Ploss Jr.; a son-in-law, Frank Daniel Loomis; a sister-in-law, Mabel Ploss; and best friend, Kenneth Fay.
Family and friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Tuesday evening from 7-9pm and on Wednesday from 2:00pm until the funeral service begins at 4:00pm. Sparkie Edwards of the Union City Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses will officiate. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. Condolences to www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.