Mr. Alva J. Ross

Alva J. Ross Age: 98 years A resident of rural Tunnel Hill, Illinois. Passed away Saturday evening, August 25, 2012, at 10:39 PM at his home. Alva was born November 24, 1913 in the Bloomfield Township of Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of William Ned Ross and Bertha (Shoemaker) Ross. Alva was united in marriage to Evelyn A. Goddard on June 4, 1942 in Charleston, Missouri. She survives. Other survivors include: 2 Sons – Glenn Ross of Marion, IL Lonnie Ross and his wife Vickie of Tunnel Hill, IL A Daughter – Jeanne Ross of Tunnel Hill, IL 2 Grandchildren – Will & Jo Ashley Ross Katie & Nick Turvold 5 Great Grandchildren – Dylan Lane, Rylee Jo, Evelyn Faith, Nevaeh Sky, & Kaitlin Grace Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other relatives & many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Alva was preceded in death by: 2 Brothers – Frank Ross & Lloyd Ross Alva was a U.S. Army veteran. He served in the European Theater of Operation during World War II and was stationed in England, North Africa, Italy & France. Alva was a graduate of the Vienna Township High School. He attended Southern Illinois University and Arizona State University. He was an educator and began his teaching career in the Reynoldsburg Public School, later teaching in the Sanburn, Taylor, and Cypress Public Schools. For approximately 30 years, Alva taught 3rd and 5th grade at Hough Grade School in Dupo, Illinois. Alva was a faithful member of the Reynoldsburg Church. He was a devoted daily student of the Bible. Alva also enjoyed working crossword puzzles, gardening and tending the orchard. He cherished his family and especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In recent years, Alva looked forward to his Friday grocery shopping trips with his daughter Jeanne. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, August 29, 2012, at 1 PM at the Reynoldsburg Church near Tunnel Hill. Burial will be in the Reynoldsburg Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be Tuesday evening, August 28, 2012, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 12 Noon – 1 PM Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995.

Mr. Alva J. Ross

November 24, 1913 - August 25, 2012