Obituary of David N. Ross

WESTFIELD - David Ross of Bliss Road Westfield, NY, died peacefully at home on March 15, 2011 following a lengthy illness. Dave was born in Ripley, NY on June 26, 1927, the son of Nelson and Amanda Ross. He became an Eagle Scout, and at age 17 enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a medic in the Army of the Occupation in France and Germany from 1945-47. He then enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Cornell University, and graduated in 1950. On June 16, 1951, he married Mary Ellen Strawson. They were married for almost 60 years, and raised their four children together in Westfield. Dave and his father became partners in a farm in Westfield in 1950, starting out with chickens and three acres of grapes. After his father's death in 1966, Dave and Mary Ellen managed the farm together until Dave's retirement. By that time, the farm had grown to over 300 acres of grapes, and their son Howard became farm manager. Dave was active in the community throughout most of his adult life. In the early 1960's he served as Chairman of the Agricultural Committee of Chautauqua County Extension Services, was a member of the Town Planning Board, and was a director and treasurer of Chautauqua Opportunities. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and named Outstanding Young Farmer. Later in his career he was named Conservation Farmer of the Year, and was a member of the Westfield Rotary. He was also chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Methodist Church for several years, including during the church's building program in 1969-70. Dave also served as a Director of National Grape Co-op of Welch's. In 1965, he was elected to the Westfield Town Board for the first time. After six years as a town councilman, he was elected town supervisor in 1971, and diligently served in that position for 24 years. He later served on the town planning board. During his almost 50 years of involvement in community affairs, a comprehensive town zoning ordinance was adopted, the Barcelona Pier was erected, and a water district for lake area homes was established. He and his family hosted AFS foreign exchange students from Australia and Germany between 1969 and 1971. Dave particularly enjoyed history and traveling, and during retirement Dave and Mary Ellen visited many countries around the world. He and Mary Ellen also traveled frequently throughout this country to visit their children and grandchildren. Dave loved the outdoors. He successfully completed several cross-country ski marathons, and was a runner long before running became popular. But most of all he enjoyed being with his family, being outside, and appreciating the beauty of the world-all without ever needing to say a word. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Strawson Ross, by his daughter Jean (Robert) Ross, by his sons David (Dorothy) Ross, Steven (Chris) Ross, Howard (Tammy) Ross, by his five grandchildren Mike (Becky) Ross, James Ross, and (fiancee Megan), Katie Ross, Nicholas Ross, and Colin Radcliff, and by his great granddaughter Sienna Hubert-Ross. He is also survived by his brother Howard (Ivonne) Ross and by his sister, Dr. Alice McCarthy. Dave had several outstanding care-givers that provided unconditional loving and professional care at the comfort of his home during his illness. Dave touched many lives and hearts, that will forever be in memory to those who knew him. Dave was a true person, and known by all for his outstanding character. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street, Westfield, to the Patterson Library, 40 South Portage Street, Westfield, or to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Road, Mayville. Visitation will be at the Ross home, 7598 Bliss Road, from 7-9 pm. Friday, March 25. Memorial services will be at 4 pm, Saturday March 26 at the Westfield United Methodist Church.