L. Ross Blythe passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso. Born in Hammond on October 5, 1934, Ross was the eldest son of Leonard and Laura (Marlow) Blythe. While growing up in Hammond he frequently helped his parents run their grocery store in the south part of that city. His inexhaustible interest in others made him a favorite with many customers.
In 1956, Ross graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, earning a degree in business. (He liked to joke that he graduated "magna cum crummy.") That same year he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Army. Although Ross was trained in the artillery and served for a while as a platoon leader in Korea, the Army noticed his business background and eventually assigned him to manage two officers' clubs in that country.
It was during his time in Korea that Ross discovered his lifelong passion for education. While stationed there, he began teaching typing and English classes, which he continued to do in Chicago after returning to the States. Eventually he completed a master’s degree in education at Purdue Calumet (now Purdue Northwest) and began teaching elementary school.
He married Phyllis Dolk on New Years Day, 1963. To his dying day, he declared that convincing her to marry him was his greatest accomplishment. In 1966, he and Phyllis, along with their son Stuart, moved to Purdue University in West Lafayette where Ross completed a doctorate in education. Ross and Phyllis's daughter Laura Blythe was born while they lived in the Lafayette area.
Ross never stopped teaching. He was a professor at Purdue North Central from 1969-1996. While there, he built the elementary education program. He had such a significant influence on teachers in the region that over 100 of his former students attended his retirement dinner in 1996, and several came to visit him while he was in hospice. After retirement, Ross continued his love of teaching by leading frequent tours to Chicago, Stratford (Canada), and Europe. During those tours he shared his love of the arts and history with anyone who was willing to listen.
Above all, Ross loved his family. He was married to Phyllis for over 61 years. He was proud of his son and daughter, who both caught his love of education. Laura taught for many years in the Highand School District, and Stuart is a professor at Michigan State University. He was also extremely proud of his daughter-in-law Beth (Singer) Blythe and his two grandsons Ross Blythe (now married to Siphon Lokay and living in Santa Fe, NM) and William Blythe (now married to Jasmine Blythe and living in Lansing, MI). Ross was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Luci Hand.
The family asks that memorials be given to Westchester Meals or the St. John's Community Dinner fund. Both care of St. John's UNITED Church, 225 W. Lincoln Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana, 46304.
GUESTBOOK
My condolences to Ross' family and friends. My only regret is that I didn't know Ross longer than I did. I've never met a kinder more accepting person. It was privilege to be his friend. -Salvatore M Lovinello
This was a great loss for so many. Loved joking around with Ross. Always made me laugh. Part of our St. John's family for as long as I remember. A valued friend. God's Peace! -Chuck Tuter
Ross was loved dearly by all who cared for him. He always had a joke, a kind word and was so patient. He is missed by all of us… -Missy Allen
