Obituary of Robert Edwin Ross

Robert Edwin “Bob” Ross was born on November 23, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was one of three children born to the union of Robert Roy Ross and Shirley Elizabeth (Porter) Ross.  Robert attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio, graduating with the class of 1960. Shortly after high school, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy where he obtained the rank of Machinist First Class before receiving an Honorable Discharge.  He was the Assistant Chief Master of Arms and Assistant Ships Investigator.  During his time in the Navy Robert was a Plank owner of the U.S.S. America during the christening of the ship and a member of the Royal of Shellbacks while aboard the U.S.S. America CVA 66.

On July 18, 1964, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Robert married the love of his life, the former Mary Johanna McDonnell. Together the couple was blessed with a daughter and two sons.  To provide for his family, Robert worked for the Cleveland Press, worked at Republic Steel then McLouth Steel, various other jobs and then for over thirty years as a security guard for the Monroe Power Plant and eventually for DTE.

Robert was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2533 in Cleveland, Ohio, a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4093 in Carleton, Michigan, and a member of the American Legion Post.  He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Newport, Michigan, where he and Mary ran bingo for more than a decade. 

Robert enjoyed spending his summers in Pennsylvania as a child where he had worked on a dairy farm.  The couple enjoyed going out on the town whether they were trying their luck at numerous casinos or catching a hot meal at Red Lobster or Olgas. When Robert decided to relax and stay at home he enjoyed watching “Family Feud”, “Let’s Make a Deal”, “The Price is Right”, or caught the evening news.  His most cherished pastime was spending time with his family and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren at all of their sporting events and activities.

Robert Edwin “Bob” Ross, age 81 of Newport, Michigan passed away at home peacefully on Saturday; October 19, 2024.  He was surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Residential Hospice.  His passing was preceded by his parents: Robert and Shirley Ross; a sister: Nancy Lee; and a grandson: Donavan Hammer.

To cherish Robert’s memory he leaves his loving wife of sixty years: Mary Johanna Ross of Newport; a daughter: Kelly (Charles) Hammer of Newport; two sons: Robert Roy Ross of Carleton and David Burchette-Ross (Brian) of Monroe; a brother: Richard (Dorene) Ross of Whitehouse, Tennessee; fourteen grandchildren: Desiree (Stewart) Hammer, Daniel Hammer (April Sawyer), Dillion Hammer (Kelsey Yarger), Dustin Hammer, Amanda (Chad) Johnson, Robert (Amy) Ross, Logan Ross, Blake Cooper, Eric (Dakota) Rigsby, Destiny Rigsby (Kristian Carner), Andi Vail, Alex Vail (Adara Creasman), Benjamin Mercieca (Maura Tyno), and Jared Mercieca; sixteen great grandchildren: Struan and Margot McDonald, Kaiden and Karson Hammer, Rylee and Taylor Johnson, Emmett, Coraline and Johnny Cooper, Olivia Opfermann and Cheyenne Ross, Bentley and Fallon Rigsby, Braelyn Carner, Harper Crist and Layla Carner. And many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; October 24, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm.  He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Friday; October 25, 2024, at St. Charles Catholic Church; 8125 Swan Creek Road, Newport, Michigan 48166 with Father Henry Rebello as celebrant.  Military Honors will follow and be conducted under the auspices of the Carleton Veterans of Foreign War Post 4093.  Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

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