Norman Ross, 48, of Elburn, a design engineer with Navistar International, died Monday, June 16, of injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident near his home. Family members said Mr. Ross was a born mechanic with an engineer’s mind. He began taking apart engines in his youth and later earned an engineering degree from the University of Illinois. He then wed his high school sweetheart, Denise Lynn Hubbell, to whom he was married for 25 years. In 1983, Mr. Ross moved to Elburn with his family. For the last 10 years, he was employed with Navistar International Corp., where he helped design the first “camless” diesel truck engine and was honored at an industry banquet in New York City, as well as in trade journals. But family members said Mr. Ross was first and foremost a family man who was “all wrapped up in his love for his wife and four daughters.” The couple also served as foster parents to as many as 10 children before having their own. Known for his high energy level, Mr. Ross was always involved in some pet project. Family members said he “owned the bragging rights” to the best pumpkin pie in the world. Mr. Ross was a member of the Amboy Lions Club for many years and was recently honored for hosting a weekly Lee County tourism program on radio station WSDR for some 15 years. Through the years, Mr. Ross also was an active member of Geneva United Methodist Church, Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Plato Center, Ill., and Reach Out, a Christian youth work camp. Mr. Ross is survived by his wife; his daughters Jessica, Amanda, Ashley and Stephanie; his parents, Richard and Dorothy; and two sisters, Deanna Hubbell and Connie Young. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Cornerstone Church, 41W170 Russell Rd., Plato Center. Services will follow at 6 p.m.
