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

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