Rodger D. Ross, 55

Born: May 19, 1957

Died: March 22, 2013

Rodger’s life began on May 19, 1957, in Stoddard County, Mo., son of Clinton and Lula (Litton) Ross.

He loved the outdoors.  Rodger was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Spending time with family and friends was also high on his list of things to do.

He enjoyed grilling out and playing pool.  Rodger also loved old cars.

He was united in marriage to the former Melissa Bailey on Aug. 27, 2007, in Dowagiac.

His loving family includes: his wife, Melissa, of Dowagiac; his mother, Lula Ross of Dowagiac; children, Tonya (David) Ross-Vales of Elkhart, Veronica (William) Merwin of Dowagiac and Jesse (Kierilee) James of Elkhart; grandchildren, Bradley Vales, Joshua Michael Vales, Jonathan Jarvis, Matthew Jarvis, Joshua Ross Vales, Torry Merwin and Brogan James; great-grandson Ayden Vales; brothers, Lester (Eva) Ross of Dowagiac, Ray (Debbie) Ross of Elkhart, Kenny (Linda) Ross of Cassopolis and Jay Ross of Dowagiac.

Rodger passed away on Friday, March 22, 2013, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clinton Ross, and a great-grandchild, Kierra Vales.

His family will gather with friends for a memorial service on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to his family in care of Melissa.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Rodger at www.yazel-clark.com.