Donald Thomas Ross

Donald Thomas Ross, 58, of Buchanan, MI, died January 16, 2014, in his home, at 9:28 a.m. after battling ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was born in South Bend, IN on September 30, 1955, to Thomas and Shirley (Butt) Ross. Don graduated from Niles-Brandywine High School in 1973 and Ferris State College. He was married to Dianne Florey on November 30, 1985. Don worked as a mechanical design engineer with his last job being at Hess Industries. He was heavily involved in both the Buchanan and Niles communities. He coached numerous softball teams in both towns. In addition, he coached basketball and floor hockey. He was instrumental in reestablishing the Buchanan Athletic Boosters Club. He was the scorekeeper for the Buchanan High Schools boys’ and girls’ basketball teams as well as the softball team for numerous years. He was recently inducted into the Buchanan High School Hall of Fame, in January 2013, for his contributions to the community. Don loved watching all sports, but especially Alma College Softball where is daughter Emily played for four years. Don’s battle with ALS did not slow down his devotion to watching her play. He missed only one game in her four-year career. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; daughters, Linsey and Emily; mother, Shirley; mother-in-law, Esther Florey; sisters-in-law, Daleen (Larry) Granger, Debbie (Brian) Mummaw, and Becky (Dale Kurt) Florey; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend and brother, Jeff Zimmerman. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Ross; father-in-law, Dale Florey; and brother-in-law, Dale Kurt Florey. Visitation will be held at Swem Chapel in Buchanan, Michigan on Monday, January 20, from 4-8 p.m. The funeral will be Tuesday, January 21, at 10:30, at Swem Chapel. Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buchanan Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, P.O. 143 Buchanan, Michigan 49107, Brandywine Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund c/o Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, 111 Days Ave., Buchanan, MI 49107, Alma College Softball, 614 W. Superior St., Alma, MI 48801, or Hospice at Home, c/o Lakeland Foundation, 1234 Napier Ave. St. Joseph, Michigan 49085