Russell M. Ross

Russell M. Ross, 92 of Bolivar, died following a brief decline in health on Thursday, June 1, 2017 while in the care of Hennis Care Center at Bolivar.

Born at Canton, Ohio on April 4, 1925, Russell was a son of the late Olive B. (McKelveen) and Russell Ross.

A veteran of World War II, Russell served as a member of the United States Navy. While making his way to port in Scotland, Russel was aboard the USS William H. Welch. The Welch, a Merchant Marine Ship, caught a rogue wave during a winter blizzard on February 26, 1944, and struck a rock sheer near land. The ship broke in half and sank leaving only 12 survivors among the nearly one hundred aboard. The 12 were rescued and housed by nearby villagers until the military were able to reach the survivors. Later in life, Russell had the opportunity to travel to Scotland and visit the area in which he and the other survivors were rescued and was welcomed again into the home in which he was nursed back to health. Of the 12, Russell was the last remaining survivor of that accident.

Russell married the love of his life, Alice Irene Huffman on March 20, 1947. Together the couple raised three children and shared in 65 years of marriage prior to her passing on January 25, 2013.

For 30 years, Russell was a maintenance man for Corundite Refractory at Zoar. He was a member of the Bolivar American Legion Post #190, a Lifetime Member of the Dover VFW, and a member of the Masonic Lodge at Bolivar. He was also a longtime member of St. John’s United Church of Christ at Bolivar.

Russell leaves behind his loving family, his children, Barbara Goldsmith and Carol (David) Meiser, both of Bolivar, and his son, Richard (Dan Hill) Ross of Sugar Land, TX; his grandchildren, Tresha (John Fabynick) Goldsmith of Atlanta, GA, Brian (Michelle) Goldsmith and Cara (Nick) Alleshouse, both of Bolivar; his great-grandchildren, Brandon Goldsmith, Samantha Fabynick and Clayton Fabynick and many family friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Larry Goldsmith; and his step-mother, Ruth Ross.

The family will receive guests on Monday June 5, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Russell’s life in the Dover Geib Center on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Ft. Laurens Cemetery at Bolivar. All are invited to join the family for a meal and fellowship in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center following services.

Memorial contributions in Russell’s name may be directed to either Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia.