Laverne Ross

LAVERNE M. ROSS

Laverne Martin Ross, age 84, of Kahoka, MO, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 9, 2007, in the emergency room of Keokuk Area Hospital.

He was born April 28, 1923 on the family farm south of Kahoka, a son of Albert R. and Anna Martin Ross.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy M. Hunziker on December 24, 1944 in Greentop, MO.

Laverne is survived by his wife of over 62 years; a son, Larry Ross and his wife, Ida; two daughters, Mary Ann Plenge and her husband, Ralph, and Marilyn Sue Ross; six grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, all who fondly referred to him as "Tootsie": Melissa and John Bevans, Chase, Chandler and Carissa; James and Jennifer Ross, Will, Luke, Anna and Emma; Mark and Hilary Plenge, Blake, Bryton and Bree; Kevin and Amanda Ross, Karlee, Jade, and Hope; Matthew and Chrissy Plenge, Abby and Aiden; and, Carrie and Troy Hamner, Elly and Kaden, all of Kahoka, MO; a brother-in-law, James Hunziker and his wife, Carolyn, of Irving, TX; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Charlotte Hunziker.

Laverne was a 1941 graduate of Kahoka High School. In earlier years he had served on the Clark County Fire Corporation board, MFA Oil board, and the school board. He was a faithful member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ and former consistory member. He was first and foremost a farmer. He enjoyed daily trips to the machine shop to check on the boys, driving his tractor, and checking on cattle on the 4-wheeler. He also loved his lawn mower, caring for his yard and mowing the cemetery south of the house. For 40 years he sold and repaired chain saws, never refusing to care for a customer even during family meals and holidays. He lived all but the past 2 and a half weeks in the house where he was born and raised. Friends and family were very important to him. For many years he and Dorothy enjoyed the fellowship of friends and neighbors visiting over a game of cards. His special blessing was having his children and grandchildren live close and the time he was able to spend with them.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 13, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka with burial following in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Visitation was held after 10 a.m. Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials were suggested to the St. Paul United Church of Christ, Kahoka.