SERVICES SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1999, 10:30 AM ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH MANNING, IOWA
OFFICIATING PASTOR CURT DWYER
MUSIC "HOW GREAT THOU ART" CONGREGATION "SOFTLY AND TENDERLY" "IN THE GARDEN"
MARK GRUNDMEIER, VOCALIST
FERN JENSEN, ORGANIST
INTERMENT MANNING CEMETERY, MANNING, IOWA
CASKETBEARERS: BRYAN ROSS, DOUG DURFEY, TIM GUTMANN, MIKE GUTMANN, TYLER THYGESEN, KIRK THYGESEN
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: MELVIN RENZE, WAYNE RANNIGER, JOE BRANT, ART FIELWEBER, GLEN MEYER, ALLEN EHLERS
THE FAMILY WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR KINDNESS EVIDENCED IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND DEED, AND INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR LUNCH AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE CHURCH FOLLOWING THE COMMITTAL SERVICE. DRIVERS IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION MUST TURN ON VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS

Eugene Merton Ross
Eugene Merton, son of Eugene Merton and Emma (Young) Ross, was born May 5, 1915, at Mt. Vernon, South Dakota. He moved with the family to Farragut, Iowa, where he attended school. The family moved back to his birthplace where Merton graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1932.

In 1933 Merton was united in marriage with Verna Olsen. Two sons, Don and Wayne, were born to this union. Verna passed away in 1936.

On January 10, 1938, Merton was united in marriage with Helen Mews at Mitchell, South Dakota. Following their marriage, Merton and his two boys were baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgewater, South Dakota. Three daughters, Marian, Linda and Lorri, were born to Merton and Helen. They farmed in South Dakota until 1942 then moved to Dickens, Iowa. They farmed there and Merton began his career in the elevator business. He started out as manager in the Farragut Coop in 1952. After 12 years there he transferred to Algona, Iowa. After four years in Algona he transferred to Dow City Elevator and then came to Aspinwall in 1970. He retired from the Aspinwall Coop in 1980.

Merton was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. While living in Farragut he was a member of the Elks' Club and while living in Dickens a member of the Eagles' Club. He was also a founding board member of the Aspinwall Community Club.

After his retirement Merton spent his time in his home shop refinishing and making furniture for his children and grandchildren, as well as anyone else who needed help on any projects. Merton enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening until the last few years. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Merton had been in failing health for about two years with several hospitalizations. He died on Wednesday, August 4, 1999, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, at the age of 84 years, 2 months, and 30 days.

Besides his first wife and parents, Merton is preceded in death by a brother J.G. Ross and his wife Gladys.

Merton is survived by his wife Helen Ross of Aspinwall; children: Don Ross and his wife Janice of Mt. Vernon, South Dakota; Wayne Ross and his special friend Mildred Klein of Kimball, Nebraska; Marian Durfey of Essex, Iowa; Linda and her husband Bob Gutmann of Puyallup, Washington; Lorri and her husband Kirk Thygesen of Audubon, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.