Ross, Keith A. 1923- 2007

ROSS, VANDERVEER, KNUTSON, HOWE, CONOVER, ODEFEY, SWANGER

Posted By: Janet Schuldt (email)
Date: 4/9/2020 at 15:04:24

Dickinson County News Spirit Lake, Dickinson, Iowa Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 Page 16

Keith A. Ross
December 25, 1923 – October 17, 2007

A memorial service was held Oct 20 at the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake for Keith A. Ross, 83. of Spirit Lake, who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at his home in Spirit Lake.

He was born on Dec. 25, 1923, in Winterset, to Hobart and Alta (VanDerveer) Ross. When Keith was six, the family moved to Des Moines. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, one month after Pearl Harbor, January of 1942. At the age of 19 in early 1943. he entered the United States Navy and served his country as a lead sonar man on a destroyer escort in both the Atlantic and Pacific for 35 months.

Keith was united in marriage to Elveda Knutson in Des Moines, in 1948. They soon moved to the Lakes area, where he, with his brother. Bob, owned and operated Vacation Village for 21 years. He later, worked as Administrative Services Manager for Berkley and Company for 10 years. Keith was the Chair of the Dickinson County Hospital for 40 years and served as a hospital trustee for eight years. He was chapter dad of the local Demolay for 15 years and volunteered in grade school reading programs. Keith was the President of the Ross Foundation. He enjoyed fund raising and did so for his church, the hospital, the Chamber, the Heart Fund and the Republican Party.

Keith is survived by his wife, Elveda Ross of Spirit Lake; two daughters, Susan Howe, and her husband, Tom, of Spencer, and Lynne Swanger of Spirit Lake; a brother, Bob Ross of Spirit Lake, and Arizona; a sister, Judy Ross of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Gayle Conover, Megan Odefey, Paige Swanger and Dona Swanger; and two great-grandchildren, Paul and Nora Conover. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Kristin Howe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Keith's name. Send online condolences at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com

The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.