William D. "Bill" Ross

William D. Ross was born on January 9th, 1930, to Roy and Ramona Bangs Ross. Bill was the youngest of 6 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nancy Ross Mikesell, Betsy Ross Campbell, Martha Ross Goddard, and Mary Isabelle Ross Smith. Sara Ross Stevenson lives in Medina, Ohio.

He was married to his loving and beautiful wife Marilyn Clark Ross for 54 years who preceded him in death in 2012. He has 3 children; Susan Ross, Anne Ross Brower (Dan), and Wm. Douglas Ross (Debbie).  Bill has 7 grandchildren; Carrie Stephenson, Aaron Stephenson (Kirsten), Daniel Brower (Lisa), Brooke Myers (Joe), Austen Brower, Danielle Ross, and Alex Ross. He also has 6 great grandchildren; Adylan Panighetti, Coen Jerdon, Lucy Brower, Blakely, Lane, and Paisley Myers.

Bill was a 1948 graduate of Dixon High School, he received his bachelors of Biology from Earlham College in 1953, and his Masters in Environmental Chemistry from Miami University in 1974.

Bill worked at Monsanto Research Corporation as a Senior Research Chemist and Project Manager. He served as a project manager for the Air Force, NASA and EPA. Bill also worked for E.G. & G Corporation as an Industrial Hygiene and Safety Supervisor. In retirement, Bill served as a consultant for the Department of Energy.

Bill was well respected in his career. He developed an analytic technique for analysis of the Apollo 17 moon soil.  Bill was honored to be one of the research chemists to analyze Apollo 17‘s moon soil samples.  Bill published 40 scientific papers and holds 2 US patents.  He presented one of his scientific papers at an international symposium in Rome, Italy in 1966. Bill also founded two regional annual scientific seminars for chemical and biological scientists.

Bill attended Concord Church. He served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also enjoyed serving with his church in supporting local missions; locally and regionally. Bill held Concord church and its congregation very close to his heart.

Bill had served as a School Board member for Eaton City Schools. Bill enjoyed volunteering for many years at McCullough-Hyde Hospital in Oxford, Ohio after his retirement.

Bill was a humble soul. His family meant the world to him, he was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Next to his family, Bill loved his farm, land that has been in his family for over 200 years, it was his life-blood.  Bill was blessed to be born on his farm and lived there for 90 years. One could find Bill at the end of his lane during the warmer months watching the sun set, not missing a one. He loved writing poetry and putting notes in the margins of his books, sailing, gardening, researching his family’s genealogy, Miami football and basketball games, conversations with family and friends.  He loved his Dixon Township community.

From our family to yours:

Dear acquaintances, friends, neighbors and family, Bill found no strangers when he met or greeted you.  You brought him much happiness; he was always ready with a smile or a quick chat about the weather, the crops, or the Miami game.  You enriched his life and therefore ours.  We are grateful for all the years we got to spend with him and love him.

A private immediate family service will be held by the family after Christmas, a community Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring TBA.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to: The Common Good of Preble County, 113 South Cherry St., Eaton, Ohio 45320 or Memorial contributions may be made to Concord Church, % Don Orr, Treasurer 3250 Toney-Lybrook Road Eaton, OH 45320.

Arrangements Entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Guestbook at www.barnesfuneralhome.com