Ross Wilson McDowell

Ross Wilson McDowell, 74, of Benton Harbor, passed away Monday, December 5, 2011, at his home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 9, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ross was born on July 8, 1937 in Kokomo, Indiana to Wilson and Betty (Lamb) McDowell. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and then attended college. Early in life Ross discovered a true passion for dancing. In 1958 Connie Alti and Ross founded the Alti – McDowell Studio of Dance. In the late 1960’s he founded the Blossom Shop in Bridgman, where he worked as a florist. Ross worked with Eileen Cropley for the last 9 years at the Citadel Dance Center in Benton Harbor and always lived life to the fullest. Ross is survived by his loving mother Betty McDowell of Bridgman; sister Bonnie and Husband Marty Dawson of Benton Harbor; nephews Jeffery Dawson of Benton Harbor and David Dawson of Watervliet; niece Katherine Rose of Coloma and many other family members and friends. Ross was preceded in death by his father Wilson McDowell and brother Mike McDowell.