Robert Sloss Obituary

Dr. Robert Reese Sloss, 76, of Morehead, KY, passed away July 30, 2025, at UK-St. Claire Hospital.

Born August 4, 1948, in Louisville, KY, he was the son of Robert L. and Carolyn R. Sloss. As a youngster, Rob was an early outdoor enthusiast, known for climbing the large maple tree in their backyard to such heights that his mother couldn't watch. He also collected all manner of natural seeds, fruits, and insects, being especially interested in cicadas. He graduated from Atherton High School where he was in the choir and won top swim team awards. While an undergraduate at the University of Emory, he became known for winding the clock tower at Seney Hall. He went on to attend the University of Louisville where he received both his B.S. and his M.D. degree. In 1971, he was commissioned in the Medical Corps for the United States Navy Reserve. He completed his residency at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA, and then later worked at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Camp Lejeune, NC. He completed his Fellowship in Hematopathology at the Medical College of Virginia in 1984. Dr. Sloss had a calling to serve small, rural communities and found his home in Rowan County at St. Claire Medical Center. He became the Medical Director of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology where he faithfully served until July 2000. He also served as the Medical Director of Transfusion Services, Blood Gas Lab, and Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Serology, Anatomic Pathology and Autopsy Services.

During this time Dr. Sloss was also on Faculty with the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine as an Associate Professor of Pathology. Dr. Sloss trained and mentored residents and medical students during their rotations in Pathology and received an Outstanding Teacher Award at an annual medical meeting. His residency students loved how thoroughly he guided and taught them, always taking the time to answer their questions, share his knowledge and explain the intricacies of medical dictation.

Dr. Sloss enjoyed medicine and never stopped learning through his continuing education. He also kept up with current events and news. He spent many summers at Cave Run Lake on their boat, enjoying his family as they learned to ski. He traveled with Fran to see Shakespearean plays in Canada nearly yearly, and was curious about the world and family genealogy. For many years, Dr. Helphinstine and Dr. Sloss shared good times with their cooking club and other scientifically minded friends. Dr. Sloss always had a passion for public service and it was important for him to give to the community. In his retirement, he was on the board of Morehead Community Recycling Center. He was intelligent, kind, generous, and always enjoyed teasing and jokes.

He is survived by Dr. Frances Helphinstine, loving wife of 33 years; his daughters, Leslie (Nick) Kornblith and Barbara Sloss; his grandchildren, Kai, Lana, and Mara Kornblith; his siblings, Martha Sloss (Murray Silverman), Richard Sloss, and sister and brother-in-law, Ginny and Woodie Reeves. Dr. Sloss was active in the First Christian Church and had final visits with Pastor Nancy Gowler. Rabbi Blumofe of Congregation Aguadas Achim of Austin, TX, led some brief prayers after his passing for his family.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date with Morehead community friends and associates. His family plans to have a small ceremony at the Falls of the Ohio, where Dr. Sloss loved to cross the railroad bridge, view fossils, and be near the water. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Sloss may be made to God's Pantry, 2201 Innovation Drive, Lexington, KY 40511-9036, https://www.godspantry.org/donate.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements. Sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.northcuttandson.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Robert Reese Sloss, please visit our floral store.