Joseph "Joe" Ross

Joseph Ross was a kind and loving man, known for his big heart, for his incredible sense of humor and his invigorating love for life. Joe created a wonderful life full of family, friends and good times. He understood the value of hard work, appreciated the peace and beauty found in nature, and cherished the many moments he spent surrounded by his family and friends. The year was 1926 and Herbert C. Hoover was just elected our nation's 31st President, the first Academy Awards were handed out and penicillin was discovered. Amidst these exciting events, Joseph and Flora (Mayettee) Ross of Muskegon, Michigan, were overjoyed with the birth of their son, Joseph, on March 28, 1926. The middle of three children, Joe and his two sisters, Miki and Mary Ellen, undoubtedly filled their house with their share of laughter, sibling spats and great memories. With his father being a barber and his mother a beautician, it was only natural that they had their own beauty shop in Muskegon, which was across from Harry Smith's Drug Store. The family lived above the shop, and Joe eventually worked part-time at Harry's during high school. Joe received his education in the St. Jean's schools, but like many young men of the time, he left after the eleventh grade to enlist in the U.S. Marines. Joe courageously served during World War II, and saw fierce battle in Okinawa. He was the only survivor among his Battalion, though he was seriously wounded in the neck, abdomen and leg. For his bravery, Joe honorably received a Purple Heart. Joe was a lifetime member of the DAV. After his honorable discharge, Joe returned to Muskegon and started his career as a Barber and took over his father's shop. He soon discovered he didn't care for this after he cut the top of a customer's ear off! He then sold the shop and hired in as a Control Operator for Consumer Power at the former Cobb Plant. For the next 38 years, Joe had an exemplary work ethic and never missed a day of work, except for his scheduled vacations. At work, he was known for having a very generous spirit, and he work many of the holidays so co-workers who had children could be home with them. Later on, when he re-married, he and his wife, Betty, made their own traditions around these times so Joe could still help others. His kindness and generosity didn't go unnoticed, though, for the local newspaper wrote an article about Joe, honoring the good person he was. Joe retired from Consumers in 1988. In 1969, Joe's life took a new direction when he was introduced to Betty Wantz through their mutual friend, Delores. At the time, Betty was a clerk at the Friend of the Court. The two met again later around the holidays while Betty was out with some girlfriends. They soon became romantically involved, and after a whirlwind courtship of six months, Joe and Betty were married on July 31, 1970. The couple sent the next 37 years making many wonderful memories together with their family and friends. Betty just adored Joe and throughout their lives together, she could always count on his big, strong hands for help, his great sense of humor to cheer her day, and his steadfast patience and positive outlook to hold fast to when times got tough. Over the years, the couple became known for their Fourth of July parties that everyone looked forward too. Outside of work and his family, Joe could usually be found on the golf course participating in his absolute favorite pastime - golfing. In fact, he had a "hole in one" at the Hickory Knoll Golf Course in Whitehall. Joe was a lifetime member of the VFW and played on their league for many years. He also golfed with a regular group of guys in Traverse City, but when traveling got to be too much, they started going to Manistee, where Joe found his second passion - gambling. Oh, Joe loved to gamble and go to the casinos with his wife, Betty. Just before his passing, Betty took Joe to Manistee for one last go-round with those one-arm bandits, and boy did it pay off! Every slot machine Joe touched that day won. He put his "Midas touch" to good use and let the good times roll. After all that excitement, Joe said he was now ready to let go. Although he was a passionate golfer and great gambler, Joe's best work was exhibited in his amazing craftsmanship. A master of woodworking, Joe built many treasured pieces over the years for his family. He put his heart and soul into every piece, meticulously shaped and built each one after much thought to its functionality and use. One year, Joe made custom napkin holders for his whole family, and whatever Betty asked for, he made with love. One of his most prized pieces was the dresser unit that Joe made to match their bedroom suite. One would never know it wasn't part of the original set it was so beautiful. While working, Joe always had a "stogie" hanging out of his mouth and even though he had stopped smoking years earlier, he needed it for concentration. In fact, it became one of his defining features, and everyone who knew him said he never worked without that "damn stogie in his mouth!" Being a craftsman meant Joe had to have the best tools, and they were kept outback in his barn. But what lied behind the barn was Joe's true pride and joy. He had cultivated not only a beautiful garden but a sanctuary for him and nature. Betty often teased him that his stunning garden was hidden behind the barn where no one could appreciate it, but Joe could see it and the birds loved it, so that was all that mattered. Joe had a true appreciation for nature and had many bird houses and feeders everywhere. His love for nature also included the insect world, and many times Betty saw him take an ant from the kitchen and transplant it outside. Wittingly, Betty said "great, now he'll bring back the whole family" to which Joe replied, "OK, I'll move them too." Throughout their married life, Joe and Betty had several beloved pets around the house, including their three poodles, Gidget, Pooh and Sassy. Sassy was Joe's constant buddy, and she will miss him greatly. After retiring, Joe began meeting up with some friends at Meijer between 6 and 7 a.m. daily for coffee. This unfortunately led to another hobby for Joe - shopping the clearance racks. He could not resist a sale and often bragged about his ultimate money saving purchases, whether they needed it or not. By the end, Joe had accumulated five yard trimmers and more jackets than he could possible wear. Joe Ross was an amazing man and his hard work provided him a full and happy life. He will be missed beyond words, yet his generous spirit and unconditional love for everyone will be forever remembered. Joseph G. Ross, age 81, of Muskegon, MI, died on Friday, May 18, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Wantz) Ross; two sons: Toby (Cindy) Ross of Grand Haven, MI, and Kerry (Pat) Ross of North Muskegon, MI; two daughters: Kimberly (Joe) Clark of Bellaire, MI, and Holly Baker of Muskegon, MI; sisters: Miki (Bob) Rose of Gainesville, FL, and Mary Ellen (Bill) Ostrin of Orlando, FL; many nieces and nephews; and his much-loved poodle, "Sassy." A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Muskegon, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the Don Ray VFW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Joe or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice VNS or Cancer Center of Muskegon.