Robert "Bob" Leslie Ross

CEDAR FALLS – Robert Leslie Ross, 95, died on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at MercyOne Cedar Falls. He was born on May 29, 1928, the son of Leslie O. and Margaret C. (Mitchell) Ross, and grew up in the wonderful town of Sidney, Iowa. He received his BA from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and served in the Army during the Korean War. Following military service he taught Social Studies at high schools in Humeston, Algona, and Davenport, IA. He then earned his MA from Columbia University in New York and his PhD at Michigan State. On August 31, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Sawyer in Hawarden, IA. He was a professor in political science at the University of Northern Iowa from 1962 until his retirement and was Head of the Political Science Dept. for many years. Locally he was an active supporter of the Democratic party, serving terms on Black Hawk Co. Democratic Central Committee and IA Democratic State Central Committee. He co-founded the Waterloo Sharks swimming program and enthusiastically supported the swimming achievements of his children. He was a lifelong member of Presbyterian and Methodist churches. He served for a time on the City of Waterloo Human Rights Commission and in 2004 received the Human Rights Commissioner Award. He co-founded the Sidney IA Music Endowment Committee of Sidney Alumni and Friends, Inc. He had lifelong interests in politics, music, history, religion, and sports. Bob is survived by children, Rebecca Ross of Gaithersburg, MD, Brian (Jean Coleman) Ross of Duluth, MN, David (Michelle) Ross of Des Moines, Teri (Mike Stewart) Ross of Naperville, IL, and Dan (Erica) Ross of Golden, CO; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; two sisters, Betty Roberts and Mary Ellen Greedy; and son-in-law, William Mitchell. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Tim’s Methodist Church, 3220 Terrace Dr., Cedar Falls, IA on January 15 at 1pm with visitation at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Illinois Legal Aid Online, Chicago, IL, St. Tim’s Methodist Church, Cedar Falls, IA, or Fremont County Historical Society, Sidney, IA.

Robert "Bob" Leslie Ross

May 29, 1928 - November 30, 2023