Ross, Hobart A.

ROSS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/24/2010 at 09:27:39

The Grinnell Herald-Register; March 29, 1984

HOBART ROSS DIES IN D.M.

Hobart A. Ross, 87, Des Moines, a former resident and founder of the United Food Markets, one of which operated for many years in Grinnell, died last Wednesday at his home. The body was cremated and no services were held.

Mr. Ross started in the grocery business in Ross Fruit House operated by his brother and himself in Grinnell. He later founded the United Food Markets Inc. in Indianola, one of the first self-service grocery stores. He later founded the Central Wholesale Grocery in Des Moines.

Through the United Food Markets Foundation he established the first heart-care center in Iowa at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He was a food consultant to the army and also the Office of Price Administration in World War II.

He developed two resorts on Lake Okoboji, Manhattan Cottages and Vacation Village and was instrumental in founding the YMCA Boys Home in Johnston, providing the seed money and also endowing a trust to insure its continued operation.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Des Moines Consistory, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Hi-12 Luncheon Club and the YMCA board of directors.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Alta; two sons, Robert and Keith, both of Spirit Lake; a daughter of Florida; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.