March 28, 1951 - May 25, 2021
Jerry Ross of Ames (age 70), died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday, May 25th.
Jerry, the son of J.C and Joyce Ross, was born in Bethany Missouri, and spent his childhood years in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Iowa. He graduated from Keokuk High School in 1969. He then attended Iowa State University where he met his wife, Mary Noethe, while working at Cave Inn Pizza. The couple married at St. Ann’s in Vail, Iowa in 1973.
Jerry and Mary then moved to Moscow, Idaho where they worked for Karl Marks Pizza. They returned to Ames, so Jerry could complete his degree in Industrial Administration. Jerry had many jobs throughout his life including: slinging pizza, selling Fuller Brush, working on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and Bonanza Steakhouse. After graduating from Iowa State, he began his career in computers with Burroughs Corporation selling computers to city and county governments. At the time, computers were just being introduced to the mainstream and there was much resistance and little support. In 1981, Jerry and friends branched out on their own to start a computer business that included customer support - which was much needed in this new environment. Computer Management Services went on to supply the counties and municipalities of Iowa and surrounding states with software and hardware systems, the first of their kind. They sold the company to Tyler Technologies in 1998 and he continued working until his retirement in 2016.
Jerry loved sports, especially his Cyclones. He was a proud supporter of Iowa State athletics and had season tickets for football, and basketball (both Men’s and Women’s) for many years.
There was nothing he enjoyed more than being with friends and family at tailgates and the Big 8/Big 12 Basketball Tournament. He spent many a Saturday watching nieces and nephews play soccer. He also enjoyed boating and spending time at Lake Panorama with the people he loved. He was involved in many community and church activities, and helped those in need without being asked. He was generous, and kind, with a sly sense of humor… and always ready to smile.
He is preceded in death by his parents and parents in-law, Ed and Marcella Noethe, and many good friends lost along the way including his best friend and business partner, Dan Lehman, his fellow Cyclone enthusiast, Curt Lindholm, and former boss/employee/friend, Karl GIlbertson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his daughter Kate Ross and Chris Lucht. His siblings: Jim and Janet Ross, Jeanette and Roy Adcock, John and Sharon Ross, and Amy and Robert Vaughn. His in-laws Nancy and Melvin Bobo, Edward and Julie Noethe, and Rose “Duck” Miller. His nieces and Nephews: Julia Ross and Tom Boyle, Jeff Ross, Jerome Bobo, Matt and Krista Bobo, Megan and Jayson Pope, Michelle Dickerson, Clare Noethe and Jackson Noethe, and 9 great nieces and nephews. Jerry has a countless number of friends and extended family who will miss him greatly.
Parkinson’s Disease is a horrible thing that you would not wish on anyone you love. Jerry fought hard, but lost his battle. In lieu of flowers or gifts please help us keep fighting by donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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