Ross David Stevens

Ross David Stevens, 96, born on October 21, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away March 9, 2019. He resided at Caleo Bay Assisted Living Facility in La Quinta, California at the time of his passing. He leaves behind his beloved wife Evelyn after 74 years of marriage. Born October 21,1922, to Charles E. Stevens and Margaret Cadzow Stevens, Ross resided in Indianapolis until 1953.

Ross graduated with high honors from Shortridge H.S. and attended Butler U. for two years before attending Harvard. He graduated from Harvard in1943 and Harvard Business School in 1944. Immediately after graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Atherton from 1944-1946. On May 6, 1946, his ship sank the last German submarine in WWII.

Ross married his childhood sweetheart, Evelyn Petersen of Indianapolis, Indiana, May 10, 1945. They adopted two children, Jaime and William, and in 1954 moved to La Jolla, CA. Ross became a CPA in 1965 and moved to Hillsborough, CA. Ross was part owner of Manning's Inc., a coffee and food service business headquartered in San Francisco, and served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President. After the company was sold in 1984, Ross and Eve moved to Santa Rosa to begin retirement. In 1998, Ross and Eve moved to Palm Desert to enjoy the sunshine.

Ross and Eve were lifelong Presbyterians. Ross served as an elder and they both served as deacons. They were members of Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church for 20 years. Ross, a Rotarian for over 24 years, joined the Indian Wells Rotary Club where he served as President.

Ross is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Evelyn, his adoptive children, four honorary grandchildren, Tania and Lydia Agacanian, daughters of Rosette and Mario Agacanian of Carmel,CA, and Kevin Ross and Blake Andrew Van Dyke, sons of Lynn and Lindell Van Dyke of Los Altos Hills,CA. Ross's brother, Donald Stevens, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 7, at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 HWY 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, California.