Joseph N. Ross
July 4, 1913-March 13, 2001
Joseph Norman Ross, 87, of South Fifteenth Street, Niles, Mich., died at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2001 in the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Niles.
Mr. Ross was born on July 4, 1913, in Musselshell, Mont., to Joseph Allison and Elsie (Hogan) Ross, and had lived in Niles since 1941, coming from Musselshell. He was first employed at Bendix Automotive, South Bend, Ind., and National-Standard, Niles. He had owned and operated J.N. Ross Masonry Contractor in Niles since 1946.
Mr. Ross was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles where he taught Sunday School and served in several other offices. He was also a member and Past Worship Master of St. Joseph Valley Lodge #4, F.&A.M., Niles, and was past patron of Niles Chapter #332, Order of Eastern Star. Mr. Ross had assisted with the building trades program at Brandywine public schools, and was a 50-year member of the International Union of Brick Layers and Allied Craftsmen, Local 18, South Bend. He had a booth at Eastgate Marketplace, and enjoyed antiques and garage sales.
On May 13, 1935, in Dugger, Ind., Mr. Ross was married to the former Ruth Elaine Ferguson, with whom he celebrated the sixty-fifth anniversary of that marriage last year. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their daughters, Norma (William) Poznanski of Portage, Ind., and Ruth Elizabeth Ross of Chicago, Ill.; six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; his brothers, Hal G. Ross of Florida, Jim A. Ross of Montana, Bob Ross and Frank Ross, both of Bozeman, Mont.; and by his sister, Nellie Witkauckas of California.
He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Leon Ross, who died in May 1954; one grandchild; and by his brother, W. Laurence Ross.
Funeral services for Mr. Ross will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, in the First Baptist Church, Niles, with the Rev. Scott A. Goodman officiating. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Masonic rites at 7:30 p.m. by St. Joseph Valley Lodge #4, F.&A.M.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Ross may be made to the organization of the donor's choice.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown.