Walter S. Ross

1935 - 2018

Walter S. Ross

Feb. 11, 1935 - July 17, 2018

MISHAWAKA - Former South Bend resident, Walter S. Ross, 83, of Mishawaka died Tuesday in Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Walt was born February 11, 1935 in East Boston, MA to the late Emma (McEachern) and Charles Ross and had lived in the South Bend area since 1957, coming from Boston. On September 20, 1957 in Boston, he married Geraldine F. “Gerry” Winsor who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Lori Jaqua (Douglas) and Kim Dominello (Mike) both of South Bend, and Lisa E. Ellis (Dave) of Niles; his son, Douglas S. Ross (Carla - deceased) of Mishawaka; three grandchildren, Julie and Adam Ross, and Randi Jaqua; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Rev. Charles Ross (Nancy) of Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Helen Merritt, Kenneth Ross, and an infant sister. Walt retired as a teacher at Mishawaka High School. He founded the swim program at the high school and served as the swim coach for many years. He also taught CPR for the school system including Mishawaka Paramedics. He loved playing handball at the YMCA, reading, travel, riding his bike, and many other activities. He spent many years volunteering in Patient Accounts at St. Joe Med Center. Walt was a proud Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was also a long time member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St. with Rev. Don Neely officiating. Committal services and burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends on Sunday in the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KA, 66675-8517. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.welsheimer.com.