Michael G. "Duke" Ross

Michael G. “Duke” Ross, 77, of Decatur, Indiana passed away early Friday, September 13, 2024, at Christian Care Retirement Center in Bluffton, Indiana.

He was born on February 14, 1947 in Decatur, Indiana to Ralph Ross Sr. and Glenna (Bradley) Ross. Mike was united in marriage to Debra Smiley on June 30, 1984, at Salem United Church of Christ, and she preceded him in death on July 11, 2022.

Mike served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era from 1966, until his honorable discharge in 1969.

He was a member of Salem Magley Church where he was an Elder, Deacon, and Youth Leader. He was also a past President of the Adams City Independent Basketball League, member of the Eastern Indiana Seniors Golf League, Wabash Valley Golf Club serving on the board of directors prior to it being an 18 hole course, and a former member of the Moose Lodge #1311 in Decatur.

Mike graduated from Adams Central High School in 1965. He was employed at Elkhart Products in Geneva as a customer service specialist for 33 years before his retirement in February of 2008.

Mike loved the Lord first and foremost in his life. Mike loved to golf and fish. He loved watching his grandchildren in sports, and especially loved watching his granddaughters play volleyball. He was known to be a Chicago Cubs fan and Indiana Hoosiers fan.

He is survived by daughter, Jamie (Skye) Bower of Warren, Indiana; daughter, Shaunda (David) Runkel of Ossian, Indiana; daughter, Kristin (Rusty) Myers of Monroe, Indiana; son, Ryne (Miranda) Ross of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Lorah (Robert) Roxas of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Sally Schwartz of Berne, Indiana; brother, Daniel (Betty) Ross of Decatur, Indiana; brother, John Ross of Florida; 13 grandchildren, Ashlie (Cody) Clady, Clay (Cheyenne) Barr, Georgia (Alec) Gusching, Harper Bower, David Runkel III, Chanler (Kadence) Myers, Grace (Riley) Saylor, Jeffery Myers, Lauren Ross, Ella Ross, Landon Ross, Amelia Ross, and Elodie Roxas; and 10 great-grandchildren, Sutton, Leighton, Micah, Granger, Briar, Ruby, Eliana, Emmersyn, Kambreigh, Kaysen; and two on the way.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph Ross Jr., Kenneth Ross and William Ross.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Rev. Christopher Hirschy officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Magley Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by the American Legion Post #43.

Family and friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday also at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Riley Hospital for Children.

Arrangements are by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.