On Monday, May 18, 2026, Ross Donald Carolus returned home to his Heavenly Father. It was far too soon by all accounts.

Born on November 17, 1962 to Alan and Doris Carolus, Ross was the second of four boys. He spent his childhood in Freedom, NY and enjoyed working at the Morgan’s farm across the street and on his Uncle George’s farm up the road.

At 22 years old, he graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering and got married to the love of his life, Anne Gillis. He joined the management trainee program at International Paper, a global paper & packaging company. The job took Ross and Anne and their children to many different cities and states during his 35-year career.

The primary lesson he taught his children was of order: put God first in every choice and always apply the “do it now” rule. If you see something that needs to be done, do it now – don’t put it off. He lived what he taught and those lessons bore endless fruit.

In retirement, he continued to work, whether it was at Grabill Hardware, or in his shop, or on any project that needed an extra set of hands. He and Anne traveled to visit new places and old friends, with as much time as possible carved out for their grandchildren.

Though the challenges of life and health cast a shadow in his final years, he remained constant in love for his family and friends, and most of all, for the kingdom of God. When praying aloud, he would ask for Jesus’ return. From his youth he had learned to love is to serve, and he gave his all in everything he did. We rejoice to know he rests now in the fullness of the glory of God, in whom there is no darkness.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Scott Carolus.

He leaves behind an enormous wealth of love and a very long list of people who will carry him in their hearts and minds for the rest of their lives.
Chiefly among them are his dear wife, Anne, their four children, Ellie Carolus, Eva (Bradly) Adams, Samuel (Katryne) Carolus, and Spencer Carolus; and their five grandchildren, Rowan, Vera, Theo, and Callum Adams and Esmae Carolus. Additionally, his brothers Garett (Suzi) Carolus and James (Christina) Carolus, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, scores of friends, former colleagues, and everyone who knew him at all.
(If you find yourself in this last category, please know that Ross remembered your name, your face, and how you met.)
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at the property of friends in McCordsville, IN.

Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00
Funeral: 11:00 - 12:00
Everyone is invited to stay for a luncheon immediately following the service.

Address:
6731 N 500 W
McCordsville, IN 46055

If you would like to send flowers, please use the above address, in care of: Carolus Family

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Ross, please consider supporting his favorite nature preserve, Metea Park.
Checks with Ross Carolus in the memo can be mailed to: Friends of Metea, 8401 Union Chapel Rd. Fort Wayne, 46845.