wow. its been two years. i love and miss you so much.

I have very fond and vivid memories of my time with Don on the East Lansing High School track team. Our bus trips to track meets were filled with so many laughs. Don, his Dad ( Archie), my Dad ( Lowell ), and I drove to Mansfield, Ohio to compete in the Mansfield Relays ( then, the largest high school track meet in the nation ). Don did very well in the shot put ( me, not so well in the 440 yard dash.) It was great fellowship. We were co-captains of the track team. Great memories. Don will be missed very much.

It is with my earnest expectation and hope to express my deepest sympathy to Lynn and precious Ross family, as allowable in an abbreviated forum. I will always remember Don as my everlasting fraternal DTD Big Brother. Don carried himself with the utmost sincerity and authentic genuineness. He was truly an exemplar of unimpeachable integrity. My Carol, who was good friends with Lynn from Saginaw General Nursing School... well, we eventually could not resist the precocious idea of setting up Don & Lynn on a blind date; and the rest was history. Then, yet another blest-miraculous thing happened. As it turns out Don was instrumental in helping me find my way to IBM, as I was shipwrecked career-wise with an Economics Degree without a Masters or PhD stripe. And so it was. Trekking to class in May of my senior year at MSU in 1968, well out of nowhere, suddenly there was Don looking all-presidential in his credentialed IBM suit, accented by corporate executive white shirt and tie.

Who knew he was the IBM Sales Rep. for MSU? His great enthusiasm for IBM and his ingenious knack for persuasiveness convinced me of his ginormous victorious breakthrough idea to jettison my prospects for the future: that now was an opportune time to follow in his footsteps. He invited me to meet him out at the Dells, MSU student hangout on Lake Lansing, to help me explore a sales career with IBM. Too, his heavenly vision inspired me to be brave in trying to make hope happen by first contacting his IBM Branch Manager, who informed me meet with the IBM Recruiter coming to MSU since I wanted to consider opportunities in Detroit suburbs. And the rest was history, the door was opened to my 23-year IBM sales-management career. Early-on, I was so blest with Don's optimistic style leveraged by his God-Given Personable-ness.

My Letter of Condolences to Lynn & Precious Family shares deeper feelings. Suffice it to say Don's sufferings have now ended, thanks be to Almighty God.
And as the Spiritual Children of All-Merciful God we'll be together again to ever-directly witness the Greater Glory of God, which is the manifestation of His goodness, His presence, and His power forevermore. And as is said in the ancient wisdom: "May the lamp of life burn bright, fueled by the fires of our friendship, and kindled by our memories of the past"... Jim Prucha 3.18.2021

When I think of Don, I think KIND and CONSIDERATE. I always enjoyed stopping by his desk for a chat when walking by. He was so sweet to think to ask if I too would like a picture taken with Colin Powell. Rest In Peace dear Don

I met Don professionally almost 20 years ago and we became fast friends. His smile, his uplifting attitude - his ability to brighten any room just by walking into it -that was who Don was!! He will be greatly missed by all, including myself. I truly loved this man - what a kind soul. Blessings to you Lynn and the girls and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

The loss of Don Ross to the family is also felt by many folks that have spent time with him to celebrate Holiday functions held for the entire family. Don added a special feeling with his warmth to the functions as he mixed in with all who gathered together. Always remembered, that sweet smile!

We met Don and Mary Lynn a few years ago when they became our neighbors. Don had a vitality about him – whether he was playing pickle ball, walking through the neighborhood, or at a dinner party. He always seemed to be enjoying life. We will remember him as this spirited and energetic man who loved his family. With deepest sympathy as you remember Don. 
Ann and Peter Jensen

Don will always be within your heart along with many others that loved him.Our thoughts any prayers are with you at this different time.
Sincerely,
Ron and Judy Altman

I had the good fortune of meeting Don and Lynn back in 2014. Although my time spent time with Don was brief, my memories of him make me smile.  My heart goes out to family and friends in this time or sorrow.

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing from Alzheimer's. My father also had Alzheimer's and it is so sad to see such vibrant people end this way. I remember Don when I was a Delt pledge in the fall of 64. He was always a gentleman and a great brother. I saw him at one of our reunions and we spoke as if it was just yesterday. I was unaware that Don was an Eagle Scout, but I know those values carried with him thru life. He touched everyone around and will be truly missed. Prayers for the family.

Dear Lynn,
It was very special having an opportunity to talk to you about our shared interest on the impacts of this terrible disease; Alzheimers. We know of the incredible way it changes your life and the way your love, devotion and caring for your spouse bears you through the challenging times. I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Don in front of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Manhattan's Park Avenue as we were waiting for a taxi in circa 1980. His smile was just as bright and infectious then as it was in our days in the Delt House. What a coincidence to happen to see each other!  That is the face I see today; full of life, confidence and good cheer. That will be my lasting memory or our brother Don.  Please take care of yourself and stay safe Lynn. Jerry Gross

Please know you are in our thoughts and in our hearts at this difficult time. Dennis and I always enjoyed chatting with Don. He was a scholar and a gentleman.

Don’s spirit and vitality were contagious, and he shall continue as an uplifting example to so many. The scourge of Alzheimer’s must be overtaken.
With love and sorrow,

Lynn,
I am so sorry about Don's illness and his passing. I have special memories of my long friendship with him, especially on the track teams. He had integrity and a wonderful spirit. May you cherish many wonderful memories during your grieving. RIP

I was so sad to hear of Don's passing. I have fond memories of Mr and Mrs Ross from time in Frankfurt. They were always so welcoming, kind and caring people. They went above and beyond and their warmth has never been forgotten. I know that legacy has been passed down to Michelle and Amy and will continue to make a difference. Thinking of you all while sending love and prayers xxx

To: Lynn, Michelle and Amy
Gloria and I write this tribute with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of our very very close friend Don.
Don and Lynn were one of the first people we met when we moved to Atlanta 38 years ago. Our family will always remember the wonderful times we had getting together at each others homes, two houses away for holidays and casual times sipping a glass of wine and talking about life.
Our friend Don was a loving, entertaining, very close friend and a down to earth real man with a deep love for God and his family.
Now my hope is that Don rest in peace with God knowing he did all he could for his family.
When we love people like Don, its so comforting to know that they will always be with us in our hearts.
We will always miss and pray for Don.
Our Deepest Sympathy,

George and Gloria Sacco

We feel privileged to have known Don.   "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

Mary Lynn and family: May your faith and your memories sustain you in the coming days. 

Inez and John

Dear Lynn,
I send you and your family my deep sympathy in the loss of your dear husband Don. Although I did not know Don, you have provided a wonderful tribute to him here.

No matter the time or circumstances, the loss of a loved one is always hard to bear. May the many wonderful memories you have of Don bring you peace. 
I send you love and prayers for comfort
Bev

We will always remember Don for his smile, his tenderness and his wonderful spirit. I loved watching him sing at community events, seeing him enjoy eating, but most of all playing pickleball. As his partner you could always expect a high five after a good play. He was a champion on the courts, and also in our hearts.
We will all miss him.

It was my pleasure to meet and take care of Don. It was easy to see how kind a person he was. He had the biggest smile and laughed with the staff. He was truly amazing how his personality shined threw without a spoken word. I will miss him. I would like to give thanks and blessings to his family for sharing him with me and my staff. 
Sincerely Lillia

Dear Lynn, Michelle and Amy,

Roger and I were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was always charming and interesting to be with. I know you have many wonderful memories due to the wonderful life he provided for you these past years. These memories will keep his spirit close to you forever.

Lynn, so very sorry to learn that Don has passed away. You both fought a valiant fight. Loved the pictorial of your life together. Many prayers for you and your family. 

My grandpa was awesome. He was one of the best people that I have ever met. My favorite thing to do with him was help him with a puzzle. I know everyone will miss him.

My Grandfather was a great man. He will be missed greatly and was an all around amazing man, father, and grandfather. We all love him. Forever and always.