Timothy D. Ross

Timothy D. Ross, 68 of Kalkaska, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Eden Center in Kalkaska. Born in Grosse Pointe Farms on October 20, 1951, he was the son of George and Helen (Turrell) Ross.

If you met Tim, you would remember his ear-to-ear smile and his personality - friendly, courteous, or maybe cantankerous.  For Tim, a good meal with music was a win-win.  He loved to eat and sing old country or christian hymns.  His humor was contagious, especially if you took time to repeat his distinct articulation of words like “booook”.  Tim’s witty, spur of the moment, comments were funny and usually spot on.

A formal education was not available to Tim.  From his Dad, George, he learned about faith in God, a blessing he freely shared.  He also taught Tim respect for others and good manners.  To his Aunt Judi, Tim was like a lifetime “little brother” – pesky and lovable.  Up North trips to see Grandma & Grandpa Ross and gatherings with Aunt Thelma and the Tank kids were always fun.  They also traveled to Colorado to see Uncle Bruce, Aunt Diana, and his cowboy cousins, who taught Tim a thing or two.  Cousin Jim remembered kindergarten with Tim and the special bonds made when George, the school custodian, brought milk for snack time and was their Sunday school teacher.  Cousin Mike remembers the way Tim questioned what people said by commenting “oh REALLY?”  Cousin Gary said Tim talked about “gear jammers” and Johnny Cash.  Cousin Rene remembers looking at catalogs with Tim and hearing “hubba hubba” about the pretty girls.  George, Joyce and her sons, Rick, Dave & Steve loved outings with Tim and he quickly became like a brother to them.  Rick enjoyed teasing Tim about pretty girls and Tim would say “hubba hubba”, then correct himself with “now Tim, be polite”.  Camping in a tent at Dave’s, watching Tim ride the paddle boat around the lake for hours, and sitting at the campfire hearing Tim belt out songs like “The Sweet Bye and Bye” are treasured memories.

Tim accepted his lot in life, adapted to foster care, brought joy to others, and taught us patience.   He shared his love…a priceless reward for taking time to know him.

Tim is survived by his aunts and uncle, Judi & Fred Burns of Gaylord, MI and Thelma Tank of Edgewater, Fl; his step-mom, Joyce Ross of Gaylord and step-brothers, Rick and Dave Piper of Alpena, MI as well as several cousins.

A simple and brief memorial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, September 12, 2020 outside at the Memorial Garden of the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com