Donald E. Ross

Donald Eugene was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to Eugene and Frances (Hauch) Ross. He has one sister, Eileen Ross (Glyn Williams) living in Canada. Don passed away on Saturday evening, May 19th of cardiac arrest at Birchwood Nursing Facility. Don leaves a family to mourn this great loss; Anne Kathryn Ross, his beloved wife of 52 years, adored children; Julia Anne Ross, James Matthew (Angie) Ross and Lisa Maria (William Meloche) whom preceded Don in death on April 24, 2012. Also surviving are, one grandson, Zackary Joseph and his fiancé Chelsea Marie; he leaves several in-laws, nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and friends. Don was a learned man, a man of purpose; a man of deep faith and commitment to Christ’s teachings. He served in the Korean Conflict during 1954-1956 as a Corporal and was stationed in Japan and Guam. Don graduated from Ferris State College in 1959 with a BA in Business Administration. Later he earned a MA in history from CMU. He did graduate work in history at MSU. He was a life-long learner. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church on 222 Cass Street for nearly 40 years. He taught Sunday School there for 30 years, was a member of the Church board, did committee work and was active with the homeless shelter during the winter. Don’s faith gave him devotion to work for the needy and less fortunate among us. He volunteered for LOVE, Inc. He walked the walk and talked the talk. He taught Bible classes for 11 years at Bay Ridge and 4 years at Traverse Manor. He and his wife were lovers of good drama, literature and attended the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario for years. The Comcast productions of the Metropolitan Opera in Traverse City were enjoyed by both of them. He was truly a Renaissance Man. He will be greatly missed by his family, extended family and very dear friends. May we carry on with his love and code of conduct. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church. Prior to the service there will be a visitation held in the church gathering place beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Methodist Children’s Home Society and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Please share with the family at Don's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Donald E. Ross

December 16, 1934 - May 19, 2012