NORTHPORT- Ross Allyn Foster, 89, of Northport, passed away on January 22, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan.

He was born on January 18, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Howell and Edith (Bork) Foster.

After attending elementary and middle school in East Falls, Ross attended Roxborough High School where his interests were cars, track & field, and music. After completing high school, he spent a year at The Spring Garden Institute to study diesel engineering before joining the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home, Ross married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Ruth (Bodie) Foster.

Ross enrolled in Temple University, where he pursued his education in philosophy and divinity. He earned a BA in Philosophy and a BA of Divinity from the Episcopal Seminary. Ross continued with graduate studies at Temple University, obtaining his Masters and later he completed his Ph.D. His passion for teaching and philosophy led him to a fulfilling career at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he taught for 31 years and served as the Dean of Students for 3 years and Vice President of Student Affairs for 14 years.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Ross was deeply committed to his faith and ministered at East Unity Presbyterian Church and Eau Clair Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania for over 3 decades. During retirement he also served as a moderator of Omena Presbyterian Church in Michigan for over a decade.

Ross’s retirement in 2000 marked the end of a distinguished teaching career. At his retirement party, he was surrounded by countless former students, colleagues, and friends who recognized him as eternally optimistic and deeply impactful. Ross’s love for people and his exceptionally social nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He spent his retirement years splitting time between his home in Northport, Michigan, and his home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Ross is survived by his children Cheryl Cerk, Scott (Karin) Foster, and David Foster; his grandchildren Timothy, Abigail, Christopher, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Margaret; and his great-grandchildren Thaddeus and John.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 62 years Barbara Ruth Foster, and his siblings Howell (Marge) Foster Jr. and Paul Foster.

Cremation has taken place, and private family services have been held.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Ross and Barbara Foster Merit Scholarship Endowment, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127, and/or to Omena Presbyterian Church, PO Box 187 Omena, MI 49674. Please share condolences with Ross’s family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.