Michael Gene Ross

Michael Gene Ross, 78, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha.  He was born on February 16, 1946, the son of Eugene and Helen Janette (Green) Ross, at Jacksonville, Texas.  Mike was born in Texas but as a young boy his family moved to California. He was raised and educated in San Diego, California.

He was united in marriage to Cyndi Herstedt in San Diego and two children were born to this union. The couple later divorced but remained close friends. After Mike’s schooling he worked as a general contractor for the Air Force. He worked on the technical manuals for the B-2 Bomber and the Predator aircraft for over 25 years. Mike retired in California and then moved to Manchester 15 years ago to near the younger grandchildren.

Mike was a voracious reader and loved his vacations on the beach with his drinks. He loved going to his grandchildren’s activities and wouldn’t miss anything they participated in. Mike had a great sense of humor. He was constantly and lovingly scaring, surprising and shocking the grandchildren and great grandchildren by dying his beard with Kool-Aid, barking on all fours at the door when he stopped by and wearing lobster hats. Mike also taught the grandchildren that horses say moo. He truly loved spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Tina (Kevin) Ostrander of Manchester, and Michael Ross of Las Vegas, Nevada; his seven grandchildren, Bliss (Diego Armijo) Mellen-Ross, Derrick (Quin) Ostrander, BriAnna (Kole) George, Cassilyn (Sean McEwan) Ostrander, Bailey (Jaedyn Portz) Ostrander, Parker Ostrander, and Laia López-Rigol; his seven great grandchildren, Noah, Sharon, Miles, Zuri, Darin, Kaitlyn Jo, and Jax; four nieces, Debbie, Michelle, Missy and Heather;  former wife, Cyndi Herstedt-Ross of Manchester; sister, Sharon Orr of San Diego, California;  brother Steve Ross of California; his cat, Felix; nine grand kitties; and his three grand dogs.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Maureen Sisk.

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