Ralph Ross Elkins, 79, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Ross was born on November 22, 1943 in Athens, TN to Ralph Leonard and Nellie Lucile Peck Elkins. McMinn County was his home for his entire life.

Ross was an active member of North Etowah Baptist Church since 1969. He and his wife, Glenna, enjoyed being teachers for the Special Friends Sunday School Class for many years. He also served as a deacon for several years. Ross enjoyed farming all his life; he was owner and operator of the Elkins Dairy Farm until he retired.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Elbert Elkins, Joe E. Elkins, and Rhodora Ratledge.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Glenna McKee Ware Elkins; step-daughters, Danna Ware Axmacher and husband, Jim, Kristen Ware Reed and husband, Mark, and special daughter, Nakia Wilson; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Reed Sanders and husband, Trenton, Lucas Reed, Janna Axmacher, and Anise Axmacher; sister, Dean McKeehan; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Introduction by Dennis Bordwine, Message by Pastor Randy Ellis, and special music by Ron Perry and Ray Calfee.

Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday prior to the service.

Committal service will be held at McMinn Memory Gardens at a later date.