When Ross Easterling walked into the room, suddenly everything was brighter. He had a magnetic personality that drew people from all over the world into his life. Through his extensive travel and adventures, he connected with a variety of people. He had the gift of empathy. This gift allowed him to become a generous and philanthropic person. He derived tremendous joy and a sense of purpose from his devotion and generosity to others. A graduate of New Mexico Military Institute, where his love of polo was fostered. Summers were spent playing professional polo for Mickey Samuell. His considerable resume ranges from a ranch hand in Quemado to more recently managing the family oil company. Ross received a Masters of Hydrology from the University of Illinois. This education led him to be a city planner throughout Colorado. He worked in that field for several years. Then, Ross made a decision that forever changed his life; he decided to join the Peace Corps. He proudly joked, "I am the oldest member!" His extensive expertise as a planner proved critical in his Peace Corps assignment, which was to bring clean water to a small village in Honduras. There, his love of Latin culture intensified. He fell in love with the people, and dedicated his life to the health and welfare of the village. His influence quietly provided the opportunity for many citizens to receive an education they would otherwise be denied. Ross Eugene Easterling was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 28, 1956. His parents were Ross Eugene Easterling, Sr and Cornelia Magee Platt. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Samuell Easterling, his daughters Erin Edblom and Belkis Garcia, his sister Elizabeth Rectenwald. Ross' extended family includes his cousin Lance and Jayne Easterling, their son Cole, Susan and Ken Swaim and their children Casey and Calley Jo, and many loving friends. Ross married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Samuell, and found a partner who shared the generous spirit of giving. Most recently they discovered HKIE, Expats Helping Kids in Ecuador. This small non-profit focuses on providing help, hope and healing to impoverished children in Equador. They sponsor life changing help through medical procedures. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Helping Kids in Equador: HelpingKidsinEquador.org/donate or mail to: Helping Kids in Equador c/o Rockefeller Capital Mgmt. 3560 Lenox Rd., S 1100 Atlanta, Georgia 30326 Public visitation will be held on Saturday April 9, 2022 from 10:00-11:00AM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home New Braunfels, TX. Funeral services to follow at 11:00AM Saturday April 9,2022. Graveside services will be in Pecos, TX Monday April 11, 2022 at Old Pecos Cemetery East A St.