Raymond S. Ross

Raymond Ross, 90, of Traverse City, passed away December 23, 2015 at his home. Raymond was born on April 14, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI to the late Samuel and Agnes (Thorkildsen) Ross. As a young man Raymond entered the U.S. Army ( 8th Armored Division) and spent a great deal of time in the European Theatre where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received a Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and France bestowed the Legion of Honour medal in recognition of his acts of heroism. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant at the age of 19 and was honorably discharged in 1945 after faithfully serving his country. After the war, he attended Marquette University (B.A., M.A.) and Purdue University where he earned a Ph.D. in Communication and Psychology. He went on to a teaching career at Ohio State and Wayne State Universities. He was a distinguished author and wrote over 20 college text books and directed many theses and dissertations. Additionally, he worked as a consultant with the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations at the University of Michigan. In retirement, he wrote When Your Number’s Up based on his war experiences. On June 19, 1948 Raymond married the love of his life Ricky (Jean Joy) Reichmann. Together they enjoyed working professionally in Birmingham, MI before retiring to Traverse City to continue writing books while spending summers at the family’s treasured Paradesia Point property. A memorial celebration will be held there this summer Raymond is survived by his wife of 67 years Ricky, son Dr. Mark (Kelli Stepka) Ross, son Scott (Dawn Carter) Ross, and grandkids Pine Kopka-Ross and Shawnn Schaub and his sister Charlotte Kleinschmidt. A memorial service celebrating Raymond's life will be held at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with the family. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Raymond S. Ross

April 14, 1925 - December 23, 2015