Doyle & Beverly Ross

Beverly Jane (Stead) Ross passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea, MI, on Wednesday, July 28th 2021 at the age of 87. Beverly (Bev) is predeceased by her loving husband Doyle Ray Ross, her brother Harold Leslie Stead, her father Harold Leroy Stead and her mother Isabel Piper. She is survived by daughters, Margo Jane O’Neill (Joe) of Las Vegas, Heather Piper Melvin (Mark) of Fishers, IN, grandsons; Joseph O’Neill and Andrew Melvin, as well as step-grandchildren; Kristin Melvin, Lauren Dages (Jon) and Allison Melvin. Also surviving her are her nieces Leslie Peters (Mike), Sharon Stead and her loving neighbors John and Jennifer Muckler. Bev was born in Jefferson, OH on February 19th, 1934 to Harold Leroy Stead and Isabel Piper. She graduated from Wintersville High School and then from Miami of Ohio finally completing her education in 1956 with a Masters Degree in Zoology from Ohio University. High School sweethearts, Bev and Doyle were married in 1955. They made their way to Detroit, MI where Bev began her remarkable 44 year career with Parke-Davis / Warner Lambert which is now Pfizer. Bev was a 55+ year member of Webster United Church of Christ where she was involved in organizing the Fall Festival activities, as well as countless other events. Bev was active in many organizations over the years. At a young age, she was a Freemason Rainbow Girl. She went on to be a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at Miami University, was a long standing member of the Dexter Board of Education, as well as a member of the Literary Club, Red Hats Society and a Red Cross Volunteer. Sharing a love of horses, Bev and Doyle rode for the Waterloo Hunt Club. Bev was an avid reader and loved to craft. She was also a skilled card player, excelling at the game of Bridge. Toward the end of her life she was comforted by her adorable little Persian named Emma. Bev was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Known to her grandchildren as “Grammy”, they would all agree that she was loving, supportive and incredibly generous.

Arrangements have been made to celebrate both Doyle and Beverly. Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel (403 S 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 August 13th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Services will be held August 14th at Webster United Church of Christ – 5484 Webster Church Rd. Dexter, MI, 48130 beginning at 11:00 AM with repast immediately following outside, for those that would like to attend.

Doyle Ross 10/29/1932 - 6/11/2020 Ann Arbor, Michigan Doyle R. Ross, aged 87 of Ann Arbor, MI passed away on June 11, 2020 at Ashley Court of Brighton, MI. He was born in Oakland City, IN on October 29th, 1932 to Ernest Cleo Ross and Lula Velma Henning (Ross). Doyle made his way to Ohio first graduating from Wintersville High School and then from Ohio University in 1956. High school sweethearts, Doyle and Beverly Jane Stead were married in 1955. They made their way to Detroit, MI to start their married lives together only to have the United States Navy "borrow" Doyle for a few years. He served on the seaplane tender "Orca" where his tour of duty took him to the eastern Pacific. Doyle and Bev eventually moved the Ann Arbor, MI in 1960. Doyle worked in production control for the Ford Motor Company, Federal Screw Works as well as for Thetford. Sharing a passion for horses, Doyle and Bev rode for the Waterloo Hunt Club. In his later years Doyle enjoyed golfing at the Ann Arbor Country Club usually with his best friend, Paul Gaboriault. Remarkably, Doyle was a member of the Masons for more than 50 years rising to serve in 2016, as Monarch of the Zal Gaz Grotto No. 34 in Ann Arbor. He was also a long time member of Webster Church where he served as a Trustee for many years. Doyle enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, tinkering in the garage and playing with his beloved golden retrievers, first Duchess and later with Missy. Toward the end of his life a little Persian kitten named Emma brought him much comfort and love. Doyle was also a wonderful father and grandfather – his grandchildren knew him as "Poppy" and this became his name to so many who loved him. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Bernard Ross who died on November 30th, 1981 as well as Lisa Ann Ross (Patricia), his niece who passed away on September 5, 2017. He is survived by his wife Beverly Jane, daughters Margo Jane O'Neill (Joe), Heather Piper Melvin (Mark), grandsons Joseph O'Neill and Andrew Melvin, as well as step-grandchildren Kristin Melvin, Lauren Dages (Jon) and Allison Melvin. Also surviving him is his nephew Ken Ross (Diana). Doyle was also survived by some wonderful neighbors, Jon and Jennifer Muckler, both of whom became members of our family over the past few years as they "adopted" Doyle, bringing him much love and joy. Due to pandemic, the family has decided to postpone services at this time. A memorial service will be scheduled and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Leader Dogs of America.