Thomas Ross

Ross, Thomas L. DEFOREST - Thomas L. Ross, born on June 18, 1937, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006, at the Anderson/ Johnson HospiceCare Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Irwin and Anna (Eaton) Ross. His family farmed in the Deerfield area. Thomas was a 1956 graduate of Deerfield High School. He married the former Barbara Schultz, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in January. Together they raised four children. Thomas lived in Madison for many years, working for Forsberg Paper Co. and Eastex Corporation. He then moved to Ottowa, Ill., to set up a Gravure die-cutting line for Nabisco Foods. Thomas returned to reside in DeForest. He worked for American Packaging Corporation in Columbus, until his retirement in May 2000. He enjoyed his profession, his work and golfing with his buddies. Thomas was a member of Christian Faith Moravian Church, Madison Scottish Rite Bodies, ZOR Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, ZOR Shrine Nomads, and Starlight Order of Easter Star, where he was a past worthy patron. He is the Master of Daylight Lodge and a Past Master of Doric Lodge. Thomas is survived by his wife, Barbara; his four children, Deborah Holum (Doug Cleven), Jeffrey (Rebecca) Ross, Dawn (Keith) Hagey, Linda (Brian) Hosey; 10 grandchildren, John (Sarah), Harry, Melissa, Steven, Anna, Thomas, Abigail, David, Margaret and Ethan; two brothers, Dale and Dean Ross; two sisters, Betty (Jim) Vanderslice and Darlene (Vic) Chamberlain; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Schultz; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bill, Roy, Bob, Merle, Jimmy and Dennis. Funeral services will be held at CHRISTIAN FAITH MORAVIAN CHURCH, 805 E. Holum St., DeForest, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006, with the Rev. Kurt Liebenow presiding. Burial will be at Christian Faith Moravian Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 8 p.m., and an Order of Eastern Star service immediately following, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Faith Moravian Church or to HospiceCare, Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com