Ross E. Baylis

Ross E. Baylis, age 97, surrounded with family love, peacefully passed away at Boardman Lake Glens, Traverse City, Michigan, on Tuesday June 20, 2023. He was grateful to receive the caring tenderness of resident staff and hospice. Ross was one of six children born to F. Ray and Jessie June (Kenny) Baylis on March 29, 1926. He spent his formative years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he developed a fierce devotion to his University of Michigan Wolverines. Ross was always one for a little playful teasing, and with a twinkle in his eyes, he kept everyone on their toes with his quick wit and sharp mind right to the end. After graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1944, Ross enrolled at Eastern Michigan University in the education program with aspirations of being a football coach. Before he was able to complete his degree, he was drafted to serve in the Korean War where he served as a medical technician. Upon his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned to Ann Arbor to work for over 35 years as an Industrial Engineer at Chrysler. In 1955, he married his devoted wife of 67 years, Shirley (Strait) Baylis. They raised their family while enjoying golf, travel, many bridge games and gatherings with family and friends. After retirement in 1991, Ross and Shirley relocated to the Traverse City area. Ross is survived by his wife Shirley; daughter Kathryn (Kathy) Baylis Monteith, son-in-law Scott Monteith; son Jeffrey S. Baylis, daughter-in-law Joanne Baylis; grandsons Justin Baylis Baker, Andrew J. Baker, Christopher Hertel/wife Melissa Hertel; granddaughters Jessica Hertel/ husband Gavin Massa, Jennifer Madigan/husband Andrew Madigan; numerous great-grandchildren; brother Joseph S. Baylis, sister-in-law Shirley M. Baylis; and numerous nieces & nephews. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother, one nephew, and two nieces. On August 12, 2023 at 11:30 am there will be a celebration of Ross’ life in the Westminster Room and Memorial Garden at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Rd. At a later date there will be a family service at the Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ross’ honor may want to consider Hospice of Michigan.

Ross E. Baylis

March 29, 1926 - June 20, 2023