Robert Lee "Bob" Ross, age 82 of Mendon died Sunday April 27, 2014 at his son's home near Burr Oak.  He was born in Centreville on May 17, 1931 the son of Robert Ray and Edna (Hescher) Ross.  After graduation from Centreville High School in 1949 he engaged in general farming which he continued throughout his lifetime.  Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1952-54.  Upon his return he was married to Eleanor Sue Visscher on July 9, 1955 in Vicksburg, and they moved to Mendon in 1964.

Bob was a tool and die maker for the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for over 26 years and was a member of their award winning Rifle Team.  He was a former member of the Factoryville Bible Church and the Sturgis Wesleyan Church.  In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by five children, Elise (Jeff) Caporossi of Portage, Leland (Colleen) Ross of Burr Oak, Vernon (Veronica) Ross of Bronson, Todd (Cindy) Ross of Mendon, and Carmon (Jay Watts) Pueschel of Sturgis; thirteen grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eleanor in 2011; granddaughter, Rosemary Carmichael; two brothers, Richard and James; and a sister, Helen Balk.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon.  Funeral services will be 12 noon Thursday May 1, 2014 at the New Beginnings Church,  63022 M-66, Sturgis, MI with Pastors Randy Evans and Merritt Johnson officiating.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial will be in Prairie River Cemetery with military rites by Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170.  Memorials are suggested to Sturgis Home Care and Hospice,  1613 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com