M. Ross Moser, M.D.
HOLTON- Dr. Ross Moser, 90, of Holton, KS passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Holton Community Hospital. He was born June 8, 1919 at Sabetha, KS the son of Karl O. and Mollie Worwag Moser. He attended Sabetha schools and graduated from Sabetha High School.
While in Sabetha, Dr. Ross was a member of the First Congregational Church and was a Boy Scout in that church's troop. He earned all the ranks including Eagle Scout with additional Bronze, Gold and Silver Palm awards. He served as Midshipman in Naval Officer Training School during World War II.
Dr. Ross earned his AB degree from the University of Kansas and his MD degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his internship at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Following his internship, Dr. Ross entered general practice with cousins, Dr. Roy Moser and Dr. Ernest Moser in Holton. He designed and drew plans and specifications for blue prints and additions to the Holton Hospital in 1951 and 1954.
He also practiced with Dr. Jim Seeley, and in 1966 these four doctors donated the Holton Hospital to the City of Holton. Dr. Ross also practiced with Dr. Carlos Chavez. He was medical advisor for the local board of the Selective Service System for 25 years and received Certificates of Appreciation from three presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon for this service.
Dr. Ross served as County Coroner many years and one term as District Coroner of the second district. He was a current member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton and served on the Holton School Board of Education for nine years before unification of school districts. He was also a member of the Holton Lions Club for several years.
He retired from medical practice after 37 years. Dr. Ross became interested in the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program furnishing transportation for cancer patient's treatment which was started in Jackson County by his wife, Betty in 1985. They served as State Chairmen for the Road to Recovery, traveling throughout the state and getting programs started in other counties. This program provided over 2,200 patient appointments from Jackson County while it was active. By request, he wrote a history of "Medical Practice of Doctors Moser" to be entered in the Kansas Historical Societies 1987 history of changes that have occurred during their practice. In 2008, Dr. Ross and Betty were elected to the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Community.
He was married to Fern Ruegsegger in 1945, they later divorced. He later married Betty J. Campbell in 1980. Survivors include his wife, Betty J. Moser of the home; a sister, Mrs. Phyllis Strahm of Sabetha, KS; four daughters, Colene Gutierrez and Lorene Gakle both of Holton, KS, Kathlene Welch of Aurora, CO and Marlene Bizub of Colorado Springs, CO; a stepdaughter, Connie Schlodder of Holton, KS; and loving grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Interment will be in the Holton Cemetery. Dr. Ross will lie in state beginning at noon Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the 1st United Methodist Church Music Dept. or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.