Submitted by: John C. Monk
Ross
K. Stephenson
Dec. 17, 1921 - April 27, 2010
EDWARDSBURG - Ross K. Stephenson, 88, passed away Tuesday, April
27, 2010, in his home on Eagle Lake surrounded by his family.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Margie and L.J.; and
by his brother, John. He was born on December 17, 1921, in
Avilla, IN. He is survived by Jane his wife of 68 years; his five
children, Jamie Stephenson of Edwardsburg, MI, Julie (Bob)
Herwick, Edwardsburg, Martha (Dr. Mark) Walsh of Mishawaka, John
(Mary) Stephenson of South Bend and Mary (Jeff) Powers of
Indianapolis, IN; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Ross graduated from Riley High School and Eastern Illinois
University, where he played football. He was a combat soldier in
Patton's 3rd Army in World War II and fought in the European
Theater. He received the Bronze Star and six battle stars. In
April 1945 he was battlefield commissioned from staff sergeant to
second lieutenant. He received his Master's Degree from the
University of Illinois in 1948. Ross began his coaching and
teaching career at Bloom High in Chicago Heights, Illinois. From
there he served as football coach and athletic director at South
Bend Central from 1947-1970. After Central was phased out he
coached football at LaSalle High School from 1970-1972. He left
LaSalle to become the Physical Education Coordinator for the
South Bend Community School Corporation. He joined the football
staff at Notre Dame with Dan Devine and stayed through 1987. He
received many awards including the Contributions to Football
award from the National Football Foundation, and the Sam Wagner
award. He was inducted into both the Riley Hall of Fame and the
Indiana Football Hall of Fame. Ross was a kind and gentle man who
touched many lives. He was a loyal supporter of his family,
friends, students, all of his football players, and the boys of
Bendix Park. Visitation will be held today, April 29, from 4 to 8
p.m. in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Edwardsburg, MI.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 30, at 11
a.m. in Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church. Friends are welcome
to join the family one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
or to the Cass County Humane Society. The family wishes to thank
the Veterans Administration, Comfort Keepers, and the COA for
their care and concern during our time of need. Arrangements are
being handled by the Paul Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.
Online condolences may be sent to LOSJAN@AOL.COM.
Published
in South Bend Tribune on April 29, 2010