ORCHARD BEACH – Rev. Stanley L. Ross, a kind and gentle man, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021, at Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough. Stanley was born in Dallas Plantation to Hazel Pillsbury and William Andrew Parker on August 20, 1935.

He attended the Strong schools where he was active in Boy Scouts, 4-H club, student government and various sports. He went on to Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass., where he studied to be in the ministry. He began his life as a pastor at the Strong Church of the Nazarene, followed by appointments at the Union, Cundys Harbor, Lincoln, Portland and Saco churches. He loved his parishioners and serving God throughout his community. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Marie, moved to Loudon, N.H., where he became an associate pastor at the Loudon New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene. During this time, he and Marie enjoyed leading the senior ministries.

Stanley had a great love for people. He loved family gatherings and going to see his grandchildren at their ballgames, school plays, graduations and birthdays. Time spent with friends was important and usually included a good meal or some ice cream. He and Marie loved being with the other pastors and wives from the Maine Nazarene District and looked forward to the annual retreat. They enjoyed going on walks with their rescue dog, Mini and quiet time together during their daily devotions. He loved to read and was always learning so that he could continue to share God’s word with all that he encountered. Over the years he was a life coach and counselor to many. His counsel was always welcome because it reflected the way he lived his own life, always with Christ at the center. You always knew that Stanley was keeping you in his prayers.

Stanley is predeceased by his parents, Hazel Pillsbury and William Andrew Parker; and his siblings, Norris Pillsbury and Carol Boyd.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marie Ross; their children, Peter and Jane Ross, Vinton A. Savage III, Vicky Stephens, Holly and Dan Walsh, Heidi and Steve Knepper, Valerie and Bill Nichols and Bethany McCreary; his grandchildren, Matthew and Jon Ross, Samuel Savage, Shannon Hunter, Sarah Morton, Chris and Brad Stephens, Cory and Tyler Walsh, Stephanie and Dylan Knepper, Jessica Nyce, Kimberly Hunt, Gregory Nyce, Taylor Burke and Alayna McCreary; his sister, Cathy Pinkham; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the South Portland Church of the Nazarene, 525 Highland Ave., at 11 a.m. on May 8. Covid protocols apply.

Arrangements entrusted to Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations may be made to:

South Portland Church of the Nazarene

525 Highland Ave.

South Portland, ME 04106 and

Animal Welfare Society

46 Holland Rd.

Kennebunk, ME 04043



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