Theodore R. Ross

Theodore “Ted” Ross, age 91 of Manistee, passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 22, 2024.

He was born on October 18, 1932 in Manistee, son of the late Roosevelt and Esther Ross.  Ted was a graduate of Manistee High School, class of 1950.  He worked at Ross Dairy after school, and in 1951 he enlisted in the Coast Guard and was assigned to the Cutter Winona Washington and then to the Cutter Koiner (WDE431) on the Pacific Ocean where he served for three years.  Ted attended Michigan State University and then Ferris State University, where he graduated in 1956.

Upon graduation, Ted returned to Manistee to open Ros Refrigeration with his father Roosevelt.  They sold and serviced appliances while also running Ross Ice Company.  Ted owned and operated both companies for nearly 40 years.

On April 16, 1971, Ted married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Kott of Manistee.  The pair enjoyed going dancing and loved to travel, spending many winter togethers in Arizona.  They also took part in many Manistee Lions Club projects together.  Ted was a member of the Manistee Lions Club for 43 years, the American Legion for 37 years, and the Manistee Hospital Auxiliary.

Ted truly loved to be outdoors and took advantage of the area’s natural beauty by water skiing, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking and camping.  He also loved to be on the water sailing or in his Century boat fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan.  Ted was a self-proclaimed rockhound, collecting and polishing rocks to use in his artful creations.  

Ted is survived by Judy, his wife of nearly 53 years; His daughter Julie Swidorski; his grandchildren, Matt (Lindsey) Swidorski, Megan (Dylan) Savela, and Mason (Briann) Swidorski; his great grandchildren, Talon and Bowen Swidorski, River and Violet Savela, and Kason and Blakely Swidorski.  He is also survived by his brother Blair and sister-in-law Carol Ross along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Mary Kostecki and Darlyne McDougall and brother Bruce Ross; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Eugene and Eleanore Kott; his brother-in-law Roland Kott and his son-in-law Paul Swidorski.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee with Reverend Mitchel Roman officiating.  

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday morning one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Those wishing to remember Ted are asked to consider a donation in his name to the Manistee Lions Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.