"D.J. was a joy to visit with on our monthly calls. He was a blessing and was so proud of his family, and thankful for the great help that Jon was to him. Praying for all of his family at this time. "
In loving memory of
Dr. Dores Ross
August 23, 1925 - August 27, 2022
Funeral Service link:
Dr. Dores J. Ross (D.J.) passed away on Saturday, August 27th, at Bethany Life in Story City, IA, at the age of 97. His funeral will be held on September 2nd, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation held one hour prior at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010. A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center, Iowa.
D.J. was born on a farm in Grundy County on August 23, 1925, to Joe and Marie Ross. He attended country school until entering high school. He loved to tell the story of how he walked through the farm fields to reach the school or ride his pony to get there. He graduated from Grundy Center High School and attended Iowa State University briefly before entering the U.S. Army. He was a WWII veteran and a member of the Greatest Generation.
In 1946 he married his high school sweetheart, Marlys Smith, in Warrenton, Virginia. Upon completing his service in the Army, he and Marlys began farming in Iowa. His love of farming never wavered and upon his death he still owned eighty acres of the farmland that he and his father and brothers worked when he was growing up.
In 1955, however, he and Marlys moved to Ames with their family, and he attended Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1961. That year he entered into a large and small animal practice in Humboldt, Iowa. In later years he worked for the U.S.D.A.
D.J. is survived by his four children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. His children include Pam (Dick) Miller of Max, MN, Dr. Alan (Tricia Jones) Ross of Roseburg, OR, Terrence Ross of Firestone, CO, and Jon Ross of Ames, IA. Grandchildren include Mike (Debbie) Oltmann, Michelle (Marty) McKinney, David Ross, Aaron (Annie) Ross, and Melissa (Richard) Hilt. Great-grandchildren are Ryan (Emily Grandgenett) Shillinglaw, Joey (Meranda) Shillinglaw, Izayah Contreras, Natalie Hilt, and Juniper Ross. Great great-grandchildren are Kenna Jo Shillinglaw, Ari Shillinglaw, and Finley Ross Shillinglaw. D.J. is also survived by his brother Joe (Ina) Ross of Grundy Center.
D.J. was preceded in death by his wife Marlys, his parents Joe and Marie Ross; brother Wayne Ross, brother and sister-in-law Homer and Delores Ross.
Special thanks to the staff and health care providers at Bethany Life and Mary Greeley Medical Center for the care that you provided to our father.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"We are saddened by Doc's passing and will miss his warm genuine smile. We are grateful for the privilege of having known him and 'little John', several years ago walking early mornings at the Grand Mall, and more recently as a member of Life Choices. We extend our condolences to the family. May he rest in eternal Peace. Marilu and V. V. Raman"
"So sad to hear this. I loved to go to his store, we would have many long visits. Such a delightful man. He always gave my grandchildren something. He will truly be missed. He earned his wings he was a man of GOD."
"We met your father/grandfather as fellow members of Life Choices at Bethany. DJ was truly a gentle and gracious person. I hope to follow his example as I live my years into old age. "
"Saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you share memories that will keep him alive in your hearts. ~Randy & Pam"