Russell Ross

Russell Harold Ross, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the Park Place Long Term Care Unit. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 10, from 1 to 7 p.m., at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, where the family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. that afternoon. A funeral service will be held Monday, October 11, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. Burial will be at the Forest Home Cemetery with a flag presentation from the Henry County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the American Legion Post 58 and the Henry County Nature Center. The son of Joseph L. and Kate (Hyde) Ross, Russell was born June 8, 19 21, in Merrimac, IA. He attended Sharp's Corner Elementary School in Jefferson County. In 1944, during WWII, he entered the US Army, training at Camp Wolters, TX. He patrolled at Venice Beach, CA. Following his military service he met Rose M. Cina while they were both working at Lockheed Aircraft. On February 18, 1945, they were married in Glendale, CA. Russell was a life time farmer and worked part time many years for IDEAL Ready Mix. He enjoyed hunting squirrel, rabbit and deer, and being out in the timber. At one time he raised Golden Retrievers and exotic birds such as pheasants and peacocks. He enjoyed watching harness racing and camping throughout the 48 continental states as a member of the National Camping and Hiking Association, as well as the Traveling Tigers Camping Club of New London, IA. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 58 and Pheasants Forever. He attended the First Baptist Church. Along with his wife, Rose, Russell is survived by two daughters, Karen (Philip) Epp of Newton KS., Eileen (Randy) Ensminger of Mt. Pleasant; one son, Phillip Ross of Wentzville, MO; six grandchildren, Kate Jantz, Justin Epp, Nathan Ensminger, Ryan Ensminger, Kalen Ensminger and Emma Ross; and six great-grandchildren Isabelle, Daniel, Jacob, Harmon, Ella and Paityn. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Stanley Ross; five sisters, Ruth Tschantz, Marie Courtney, Bessie Scarff, Edith Lane and Geraldine Smith; and two brothers Paul Ross and Dale Ross.