Richard Ross

The life of Richard Ross is an inspiring journey of unwavering strength, lifesaving faith, and unconditional love. He lived his life on purpose each day and leaves behind a beautiful history to be treasured for generations to come.

The Roaring Twenties were a time of great change and prosperity in America, but there was also great joy during this time for the family of Bert and Mable (Millard) Ross since they welcomed their son, Dick, on December 30, 1921. As the youngest of three Ross children, Dick was raised in the family home on Kenwood NE. He attended local schools including Fairfield School and Creston High School where he was an all-city football player. In his time away from school Dick often helped his father with his milk collecting route.

After graduating from high school in 1940, Richard worked as a lineman for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. A short time later, he enlisted in the Marines and honorably served during WWII, seeing much action in the South Pacific in such places as Guadalcanal, Bougainville Island and Guam. He also witnessed action on Iwo Jima and his group attempted to assist the Marines who already landed but were threatened with court marshal if they attempted to go prior to the planned operation.

It was as a young soldier, stationed at Banana River Naval Air Station in Florida, that Dick met a young Navy Wave named Vivian Sherwood from Newaygo, MI who was working there in the hospital. A romance bloomed that led to marriage after they were both discharged and returned home. They exchanged their vows on May 3, 1947, and settled into a “garage house” that he built on property in Plainfield Township that Dick received from his father. They soon after built a home on the property where they lived the rest of their lives. It was at this family home where they raised both of their children, Linn and Mike. Together the newlyweds joined Second Congregational Church and were both baptized as adults.

Dick went to work in his father’s hardware store, Bert Ross Hardware. Dick was a busy family man who was involved in the lives of his children and also in his community. He was a founding member of the Northview Boosters, the organization that supported the athletic programs for Northview schools where his children received their education.

In 1968 Dick sold the hardware business and went to work as a salesman at Richards Manufacturing until he retired in 1985. During his retirement years he and “Mutt” traveled extensively throughout the country in their motor home.

During Vivian’s long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Dick tenderly cared for her until her death in May of 2000. He continued to delight in his grandchildren and tinker around the house.

Dick found companionship for the last eight years with Agnes Ann Burch and continued to enjoy the motor home.

In everything he did, Richard Ross was a man of great honor, integrity, and strength. A true gift in the lives of many, he will be deeply missed.

Richard L. Ross died on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. Rich’s family includes his children, Linn (Bill) Schueller, Mike (Judy) Ross; his grandchildren: Ross Schueller, Karin Schueller, Brooke (Jason) Sikkema, Lisa (Dave) Feldmeier, Marcy Ross; his great-grandchildren: Haley and Davis Schueller, Paige Sikkema, Avery, Quinn and Mara Feldmeier; dear companion, Agnes Ann Burch; sister, Lois (Jack) Morse; his sisters-in-law, Marty Ross and Polly Sherwood; and nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Ross and his brother, Robert Ross. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 A.M. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. with Rev. Matt Bistayi of Valley Church in Allendale officiating and with Military Honors under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Clark Retirement Community Foundation.