Matthew Charles Ross

Matthew Charles Ross, 46, of Columbia, passed away Friday, March 16, 2012, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri, following a brief illness. Matthew was born May 31, 1965, in LaPorte, Indiana, the son of the late Reverend Charles Dudley and Arlene (Hayes) Ross. Matthew graduated from Rock Bridge High School in 1984, serving as equipment manager for the football team. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City, serving as a Deacon. He was employed by The University of Missouri, as a certified animal caretaker in the Office of Animal Resources for over 20 years. Matthew was very interested in Mizzou sports, politics, loved reading, but most of all, he loved his work and the relationships he developed with his workplace associates. Matthew was orphaned at the age of 11 by a tragic automobile accident that claimed his parents and his sister Rebekah. He sustained serious head injuries from which he made a remarkable recovery. His determination to always do his best, allowed Matthew to enjoy many years of rewarding gainful employment. A testament to his workplace dedication and loyalty has been witnessed by his family, through the multitude of associates that visited his bedside, relating stories of his perseverance and determination in overcoming the obstacles presented by his injuries. His quick wit and humor was especially noted. At age 12, Matthew was welcomed into the family of Don and Betsy Sisson, and sons Don Sisson Jr. and John Sisson. For the past 35 years, Matthew has been a loving member of a family that loved him unconditionally. Upon his arrival at his new home, 12 year old Matthew announced "See, God had a plan for me all the time, He even had a home". Matthew is survived by his sister: Val Ford (husband Don) and their children Rebekah (13) and Luke Matthew (10) of Durango, Colorado; a half-sister: Laurel Ann Corona (husband Joe) and their son Alex of Bonita, California; his parents of the past 35 years: Don and Betsy Sisson of Columbia, Missouri; two brothers: Don Sisson Jr. (wife Carrie) of Jefferson City, Missouri; John R. Sisson (wife Cheri) and their daughters Christine (16), Caroline (15), and Catherine (12) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison Street; Jefferson City, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Rob Erickson and Rev. David Henry officiating. Pallbearers will be Dr. James Elliott, Landon McDowell, Dr. Irvin Cockriel, Todd Holt, Don Sisson Jr. and John Sisson; Honorary Pallbearers will be Karen Brickey, Debby Newkirk, Jane Robinson Frey, Kimberly Utlaut and Kelson Cook. Graveside services will be held beside his parents at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Riverview Cemetery in Aurora, Indiana. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison Street; Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com