Walter was born to Harold and Martha Ross on September 30th 1932 in Farmington, Illinois at the farmhouse where he grew up along with his older brother George on a farm with 200 acres of soybean and field corn. In his early years of school, he attended a one room schoolhouse where he eventually became the only student. He then went to the town of Farmington to complete his schooling and then moved on to the University of Illinois where he studied music education. His Masters was then acquired from Wichita State. During these years of school, he started coming to Interlochen during the summer. He eventually landed his first teaching job at Mancelona schools. Around this time, he was making plans to pursue a doctorate degree but chose to be the director of the Interlochen music library. This became a full-time position along with a side gig of directing the Presbyterian church choir into the 70s. Also, in 1959, he met his future wife Patricia and they were married in 1960. They then welcomed their only child James in 1963. In 1970, he left Interlochen and entered into the music department at Northwestern Michigan College. There he taught music theory, history, directed choirs, and directed the community band. He also participated in many small groups outside of the college . Walt was known for his remarkable depth of knowledge, especially in music. He loved sharing what he knew and could speak thoughtfully. He was generous with both his time and spirit, and his conversations were always meaningful, full of stories, insight, and openness to new ideas. His sharp wit would also shine through at just the right moments.

Above all, he valued his family deeply. There was always the annual trip to the Seattle area where they enjoyed their son Jim's family and their extended group of friends there. There were several group trips to Europe where Walt was a member of wind instrumental groups that were featured on boat cruises. He also got involved for several seasons directing a band at a music camp in the Czech Republic. Walter and Patricia always enjoyed social gatherings with friends and lunch meetings known as the lunch bunch. Walt had become a true Michigander who enjoyed and appreciated all four seasons and until recent years could be seen operating the snow blower clearing a rather large driveway down to the bare concrete. He was a proud father, a grandfather of two, and a great-grandfather of three. He is survived by his son James (Dawn), grandchildren: Heather (Jon), Cameron (Shelby), and great-grandchildren: Christopher, Jasper, and Scarlett. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, brother George, and parents, Martha and Harold. Walt will be missed and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom and curiosity.

A memorial service will be held on August 9, 2025 at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10:30 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Walt and Pat Ross Music Scholarship via Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, The Father Fred Foundation, or a charity of one's choosing. Private family graveside services will be held.