Ross Pelton Schlabach

Published 12:15 pm Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Ross Pelton Schlabach, III (78) passed away on December 7, 2024. He was a resident of Tryon, NC for 27 years. Ross was raised in Richmond, VA and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now known as Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA. It was at Virginia Tech that Ross met his late wife of 54 years, Frances “Fran” Kunze Schlabach in art class.

After graduation, Ross joined the Air Force earning high marks to go on to fly the F-106A Delta Dart. While in pilot training, Fran and Ross married on July 4th, 1970. After leaving the Air Force, Ross and his family eventually moved to Greer, SC where his career in finance flourished. Ross had many hobbies that included wood working, MG car restoration and live steam locomotives just to name a few. Showcasing just one of his many talents, Ross was even a self-taught musician and played multiple musical instruments over the years such as the piano, guitar, banjo, the button box, concertina and hammer dulcimer.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Ross Schlabach, Jr. and Myra “Betty” Elizabeth, and his wife, Fran. He is survived by his sister, Katherine “Kate” Schlabach of Richmond, VA, daughter, Tracy Schlabach, son, David (Laura) Schlabach and grandsons Henry and Porter Schlabach of Raleigh, NC.

Ross shared his love of aviation with David, who has fond memories of building and flying RC airplanes together. Additionally, Ross incorporated his love for steam trains into family vacations including a family trip to Colorado to ride two narrow-gauge scenic trains that Tracy fondly remembers.

A celebration of life event will be held for Ross and Fran Schlabach on Saturday, January 25th in Raleigh, NC. Please contact Laura at 919-601-4806 to RSVP or to get additional details.

Submitted by Laura Schlabach