Marjorie S. Ross

Dr. Marjorie S. Ross went to her heavenly home on April 15, 2014, supported by her Maple UMC family.

She was born November 10, 1918 in Detroit, MI to Louis Ross and Gladys (Segelbaum) Ross. She is survived by her older sister, Shirley Levin of San Mateo, CA as well as two nephews, a niece and a lifetime of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her long-time companion Carolyn Nordstrom, and their beloved cat, Missy.

Marge was a member of Maple United Methodist Church where she served on various boards and committees. Until recently she volunteered with others from Maple UMC for the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen as well. She was a long-time member of Altrusa Club International, serving as President and first vice governor for Altrusa District V.

Dr. Ross was the first female optometrist in Battle Creek where she practiced for thirty-eight years. She was the first female president of the Michigan Optometric Association as well as the first woman to chair the Michigan Board of Examiners in Optometry. She was honored for these accomplishments with the Board's first Keyman Award and their first Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1987, she was named Distinguished Professional of the year and also received the Distinguished Award for Professional Women.

A graduate of the Southern College of Optometry, she also received their Lifetime Achievement Award. She was a Trustee for the American Optometric Association for four years and with the Michigan Optometric Board for twelve years.

As a child, Dr. Ross received a violin from her grandfather and became very proficient with the instrument. She also learned to play the flute and the drums. During World War II, Marge worked in a telegraph office in Detroit and was the drummer in an all-women USO band that played in various venues for the troops. She served as the Civilian Liaison to the Secretary of the Army for the state of Michigan from 1979-1990— an unprecedented twelve years.

Her involvement in Battle Creek social and business organizations is legendary. She was past president of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra and Binder Park Zoological Society. She was an active member of the board of directors of the Mental Health Professional Associates, Burnham Brook Center, Board of Directors for the former Leila Hospital, and the BC Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. She was an integral member of the Committee to Save the Federal Center.

For all of her service to Battle Creek and the state of Michigan, Dr. Ross received the "Patriot Award" in 1994. When the award was presented, Marge was recognized as "an extraordinary 'do-er' and an exceptional representative of Battle Creek to the state and nation".

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dr. Ross on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00a.m. at Maple United Methodist Church, 342 Capital Avenue N.E. with Rev. Linda D. Stoddard officiating. Committal of her remains will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

At Marge's request and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Maple United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been handled by the Farley-Estes-Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.