Ervin C. Ross, 89, died on December 5, 2013 in Monroe, NC. He was born on Sept. 30, 1924 in Peachland, NC . He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Marshall Ross and Warren Ross, daughters Susan Thomas and Cathy Helms, and stepsons Jeff Hubbard, Zach Hubbard, and Carey Hubbard. He was the ninth of fifteen children born to Charlie Preston Ross and Ora Adeline Caudle. He was preceded in death by brothers Charles, Graham, Keith, Joe, and Wendall, and is survived by Fred and Hoover. He was preceded in death by sisters Hazel Lee, Louise Caudle, Virginia Younts, Doris Hinson, Malene Beachum, Margaret McNair , and is survived by Sarah Thomas. He served as a PFC in the US Army and was assigned to the Allied Occupational Forces in Italy from April 1945 to October 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He became a machinist by trade and was employed by R. H. Bouligny, Inc., Charlotte, and, later, Fiber Industries. He married Catherine Hicks in 1952 and together they raised five children: Cathy (1953), Marshall (1955), David (1956), Susan (1958), Warren (1961). His dream of raising livestock and row cropping began to be fulfilled in 1969 with the purchase of 78 acres on Wolf Pond Road just outside Monroe, which was later named Echo Hill Farms. With the help of his sons he became a successful farmer. The joy of the births of Ervinâ??s first two grandchildren, Brian Medlin (1974) and Richard Price (1976), was overshadowed by the deaths of his son, David (1975), and his mother (1976). In 1980 he and Catherine divorced. Ervin married Nancy Hubbard on October 23, 1981 and gained three additional sons, Jeff (1971), Zach (1976), and Cary (1978). He was employed as a maintenance man by Guardian Care of Monroe, and later, by Union County, as a recycling center attendant. In addition, he was self-employed as "The Maintenance Man." He was talented and determined in making repairs of all sorts. Nancy was his faithful assistant. Other grandchildren born to him are Stacey Helmandolar (1980) Jennifer Thomas (1987 deceased), Rachel Thomas(1990), David Thomas(1995), Olivia Ross (1996), Mary Catherine Ross (1998), Cheyenne Hubbard (1999), Allie Hubbard (2002). Great grandchildren are Josh Helmandolar (2002), Adeline Medlin (2003), Emma Helmandolar (2004), Isabella Medlin (2005), Lily Price (2008), Samson Price (2011). In April 2003, Ervin suffered a major heart attack while in Loweâ??s in Monroe. In those days cell phones were still somewhat of a novelty. A customer in the store, who saw what was happening, handed Nancy a cell phone, which her husband had just given to her as a birthday present. Nancy quickly dialed 911. An EMS unit which just happened to be located across the street from Loweâ??s was dispatched as first responder. Ervin was quickly transported to CMC Union in Monroe, where his heart doctor just happened to be on duty. Through these and other amazing coincidences, Ervinâ??s life was spared. A few months later, one of the EMS responders recognized Ervin in a local restaurant and informed him that he was the first patient that he had attended who had survived such a deadly heart attack. After the heart attack, Ervin was informed of the strong likelihood that he would soon have to start dialysis. An access port was surgically created later in 2009; but when the family gathered to celebrate his birthday, they petitioned the LORD in unison for mercy to spare Ervin the ordeal. This request was graciously granted for six years, during which time Ervin began to read his bible daily and pray fervently for himself and his family. In May 2009, he began thrice-weekly dialysis treatments. With the support of the staff at Marshville Davita, he was able to continue dialysis until a week before his death. With the aid of Hospice of Union County he was able to remain at home until a few days before his death. Ervin was an avid reader. In addition to his bible he enjoyed historical and mystery novels. He inherited his motherâ??s green thumb and was a prolific gardener. He loved homemade ice cream, especially peach. He loved his wife and his family. He loved his chickens, dogs, and cats. He loved his country and, most of all, he loved his God. We, the family of Ervin Ross, wish to thank you all for your prayers, support, caring deeds, phone calls, and especially, the love you have shown us during the last few years of his life.