Gilbert W. Ross

Gilbert W. Ross, age 91 of Bloomington passed away early Sunday morning August 13, 2017 at the Bell Trace Health and Living Center. Gil was born in Madison, Wisconsin on May 16, 1926 to Frank and Jessie Spence Ross who predeceased him. All preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret Bailey Ross, two brothers Hugh, and Frank Ross, and a sister Roseamund Knowlton. He is survived by his two daughters, Sharon House of Indianapolis, and Sandra Ross-DeLong of Indianapolis; grandchildren Jonathon House of Champaign, Illinois, Katherine House of Dayton, Ohio, Brian House of Park City, Utah, Hillary DeLong of Chicago, Payton DeLong of Chicago, and Conner DeLong of Indianapolis. Gil graduated from Madison High School in 1944 and promptly enlisted in the United States Navy where he saw duty on the destroyer USS Walker in the Pacific Theater. After discharge he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin where he met the love of his life Margaret Eileen Bailey to whom he married in June of 1946. Gil was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity while at the the University of Wisconsin. After completion of his degree in mechanical engineering in 1949 Gil went on to work in the machine tool industry. There he designed complex mechanical equipment to form and cut metal parts for the automobile industry, farm equipment and implements, appliance and defense industries. Gil was one of the first to marry modern digital controls to that area of manufacturing. He gave many talks and authored papers on the machine/control interface and hold several patents. His affiliations include the Professional Engineers Society, the American Mechanical Engineer Society, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. He also served on the A.S.T.M. machine design standards committee. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bloomington. Gil and Peggy retired to Bloomington in 1999 where he lost Peggy in 2000 to cancer. They were married for 52 years and were an active outdoor couple skiing, camping,, sailing and fishing whenever time allowed. Growing up in Madison Gil was an active competitive ski jumper and a Charter Member of the Blackhawk Ski Jumping Club. He and his family continued skiing until he turned 84. He also skied with the National Ski Patrol and was a member of The Professional Ski Instructors of America. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and a gathering to celebrate Gil’s life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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Gilbert W. Ross

May 16, 1926 - August 13, 2017