On September 17, 2024, at the age of 66, Michael Francis Moross of Yakima, Washington, was called home by the Lord. His passing was sudden; however, he was surrounded by his wife and three daughters in his last moments, comforted by a quilt made by his mother, knowing he was deeply loved.

Mike was born on February 9, 1958, in Yakima, Washington, to Albert Francis Moross and Gladys Fern Moross. This was much to their surprise as he came into this world many years after his siblings. He spent a short time serving in the military as an Air Force police officer; however, guarding bombs next to an airplane was not something he wanted to pursue. After his military service, he helped with his father’s carpentry business, A&B Builders, for a while before dedicating 34 years of his life to delivering mail for the local post office. Outside of his professional life, he spent his time cultivating a profound love for both the Lord Jesus Christ and the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. The mountains became his sanctuary, offering him solace and peace—his preferred place of worship, where he felt closest to God.

Mike and his first wife, Martha Moross, had three daughters. Rebecca, Melissa, and Amanda. Each of whom connected in their own way with him through his various outdoor passions for hunting, fishing, exploring the mountains, picking huckleberries, and gardening.

Mike was blessed to retire a few years early, a gift for which we are deeply grateful, as it allowed him to spend his final years adventuring with the love of his life, Diana. Together, they embraced the simple joys of life, sharing cherished moments alongside his loyal four-legged companion, Sparky. Over the course of his last year, the trio embarked on many memorable trips, fishing for halibut and salmon and tent camping far from cell service. This escape from distractions brought him a deep sense of peace and closeness to God. Mike was able to embark on one final adventure with Diana and Sparky at his favorite fishing spot on Bonaparte Lake for a wonderful nine-day trip just before his passing.

Mike’s daughter Rebecca inspired him recently to begin writing again, and these are his most recent thoughts on paper about the mountains, a love they both shared, and his thoughts on leaving this world.

The Mountains
“Through the rough and the rugged we make our way to streams with a softer and gentler flow. Walking past the mysterious twists and turns of life, things yet to know. The sunlight beams as I walk out of the shade into a place where I regroup and once again find my way. The mountains touch my soul in ways nothing else can. The wild freedom my senses grasp for a time, I can soar higher than I’ve ever been. I pack it up and take it back with me to the life I now know, I return stronger, richer, more peaceful. These memories will hold me until it’s time to go. My beautiful mountains, my dear friend, your wildness, your smells, the sounds of the animals and the quietness you give me to hear my own heart. To God’s country I will return. I will see you once, again…”

Into the Night
“I don’t think I wanna know the end, I don’t think life could be lived the same if I did, but one thing I do know I wanna go out doing the things I love and the next blink of an eye I’m home.” 

— Michael Francis Moross

In addition to his love for the mountains, Mike passed down his love for gardening to his daughter Rebecca, a skilled gardener whose family continues his passion of cultivating the soil and bringing forth abundance. He cherished fishing with his grandsons, Blaine and Wyatt, and picking huckleberries with Shariden and Wyatt—simple moments that brought them closer to nature. He always looked forward to attending his daughter Melissa’s many house dinners and BBQs. Melissa followed his career path and became a mail carrier like him. And Mike’s passion for hunting lives on through his daughter Amanda, son-in-law Luke, and grandchildren Shelby and Sebastian, who carry forward his lifelong love of this timeless tradition.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gladys Moross; his brother, Vernon Moross; his sister, Vickie Kautzman; and his nephew, David Sayler.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Diana Moross; his daughters Rebecca (Will) Moross, Melissa (Mike) Holland, and Amanda (Luke) Hoisington; his stepson Michael DiFrancia; his grandchildren Kaylah (Alex) Arumbul, Austin (Indica) Moross, Zachary (McKaylah) Clum, Wyatt (Tanna) Holland, Blaine Holland, Shariden Holland, Billy Marquis, Sebastian Pascale, and Shelby Hoisington. He also leaves behind several great-grandchildren—Amelia, Kolten, Elias, Malia, Azalea, and Charlie; and his nephew Jay (Nicole) Saylor and niece Cindy Carl.

He is now at peace, resting with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and fishing alongside his earthly father, Albert, in heaven.

Mike’s family would like to express their appreciation for the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Medical Center, and to the Life Flight team who brought him safely to the care he needed. We were gifted with more time to say goodbye. Thank you.

A celebration of life will be held on November 17th at the Nile Valley Church, 60 Bedrock Lane, Naches, WA, 98937. We will be holding a potluck at 1:00 pm, with the service immediately following. Dress code is casual. If you have anything lime green or camo to wear, we encourage you to do so! We hope you will join us in remembering Mike and celebrating the life he spent on earth.