Ross Neil Nicholson

Born January 5, 1933, in Highland Park, Michigan, Ross was the son of Frederick S. and Margaret C. M. (Brooks) Nicholson. Ross was raised in the Detroit area, graduating from the Henry Ford Trade School in 1951. Upon graduation from high school, he was employed by the Ford Motor Company, while attending Wayne State University.

Upon completion of his Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Ross earned his Master’s Degree from Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New Jersey, to become a minister in the [United] Methodist Church. His pastorships included: Mount Freedom Methodist Church, Mount Freedom, New Jersey; Stroudsburg Methodist Church. Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Melvindale First Methodist Church, Melvindale, Michigan; Madison United Methodist Church, Madison Heights, Michigan; and, Bad Axe First United Methodist Church, Bad Axe, Michigan. While at Bad Axe, Ross earned his Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Following his ministerial appointments, Ross was selected to the staff of the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church, as a Christian Education Coordinator. Upon retiring from the ministry, in 1990, Ross had developed his own consulting firm–Brooks Associates–retraining those in need of additional skills due to economic-downsizing, emphasizing goal setting and team building, while maintaining an educational presence as an instructor at Walsh College. Among his consultation experiences, Ross served General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad in Escanaba, and Copper Range Mine Company, in White Pine, as well as various school districts.

In the Marquette area, Ross volunteered at Room at the Inn, Bay Cliff Health Camp, The New Free Store, Planned Parenthood where he was a past-president, as well as performing shut-in visitations. In his leisure, he enjoyed time with his family, painting, wood-carving, hiking, and singing in the church choir. He was a man who had found his niche in organization and productivity, experiencing peace and contentment through leading a life of service to others, and uplifting his fellow man. In the end, it is said of those like Ross, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Ross is survived by: his wife, Patricia (Tibbetts) Nicholson, Marquette; his children, Cherrie (John) Mooney, Bad Axe, Michigan; Karen (Julie) Nicholson, Farmington Hills, Michigan; Steve Nicholson, Forest Park, Georgia; Rob (Gretchen) Nicholson, Tempe, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Erin (Brandon) Swann, Nottingham, Maryland; Tara (Greg) Fritz, Acton, Massachusetts; Kyle Mooney, Bellville, Michigan; Kerrie (Paul) Strecker, Lisbon, Iowa; Christine (Josh Mize) Nicholson, Roseville, Michigan; Holly Nicholson, Marietta, Georgia; Shannon (Michael) Hitt, Covington, Georgia; and, Nolan Nicholson, Tempe, Arizona; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jack and Connor Swann; Garrett and Audrey Fritz; Ben, Zak, Nic, Emily, Gabriel, and Alexander Strecker; Rae Nicholson; Aiden and Charlie Hitt; niece and nephews, Cynthia (Mark) Roberts, Sanford, Florida; William Wooster, Spring Hill, Florida; and Scott (Shari) Nicholson, Northville, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Mary Kaye Burke, New Port Richey, Florida; Gloria Tibbetts, Madison Heights, Michigan; nephew, Scott Burke, New Port Richey, Florida; and, nieces; Allison Spaniola, Bradenton, Florida; and, Emily (Georgerobert) Tibbetts-Freeman, Madison Heights, Michigan.

In addition to his parents, Ross was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Gwendolyn and Dr. William Wooster.

The family will greet guests at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marquette, on Saturday, July 27, 2019, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 am. A luncheon/reception will follow.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of UP Home Health, Trillium Hospice House, and Lake Superior Hospice, for their professional, compassionate care, and for the many wonderful kindnesses extended to Ross and his family–the act of service is ministry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trillium Hospice House, P.O. Box 7115, Marquette, Michigan, 49855

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online fassbenderswanson hansen.com.