Ross W. J. Kelterborn

KELTERBORN, Ross W. J.-Peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Freeport Hospital with family by his side. Ross of Wellesley in his 86th year. Predeceased by his wife Margaret E. (nee Yost) in 2003 and remembered by his wife Jean Kelterborn (nee Jantzi). Loving father of Kimberly (Nick Banbury) of Wellesley and Natalie Kelterborn (Julie Strickler) of Tavistock. Dear grandfather of Emma Banbury, Jack Banbury, Grace Kalbfleisch and Oliver Strickler. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Dennis Kelterborn, Doug Kelterborn (Karen) and his brother-in law Norman Yost and will be lovingly remembered by the Chalmers Family. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Grace (Chalmers) Kelterborn. Ross was born in Wellesley and resided there his entire life. He began his working career as a paperboy. He also delivered milk for Maple Lane dairy and was a bartender at the Royal Hotel in Wellesley. He went to highschool in Elmira and was an excellent hockey player. He spent many hours playing hockey on the Wellesley pond. He also played for teams in Wellesley, New Hamburg and Milverton. Ross attended “Normal School” in Stratford and began his teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Kingwood teaching grades 1-8. Following Kingwood, he taught for over 30 years in Stratford at Northwestern Secondary School. While working at Northwestern, Ross developed friendships he sincerely cherished. During his summers off from teaching, Ross was a driver examiner for the Ministry of Transport. Ross was very devoted to family. He took great care and had a keen interest in uncovering and sharing his family history. Ross also had an unwavering love for Wellesley as was evident in his comprehensive knowledge of the town’s history. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member of Wellesley’s Historical Society. Ross began his political career in the 1970s as a councillor. He also served as mayor for three consecutive terms and was a member of Regional Council. In 2014 he retired from politics to enjoy other passions. Like his Father before him, Ross had an ability to innovate and create. He lovingly restored a fully operational 24-horse, Alan-Herschel Carousel. This carousel was a replica of the one that he rode as a child at the Wellesley fair. Ross also restored a full size, 40 foot Eli ferris wheel. Ross was a lover of animals, especially his childhood dog Skinner and his horse Pal. Ross and Pal had many adventures such as swimming together in the Nith river. Ross enjoyed road trips with his children and grandchildren. Some favourites included the carousel factory in North Tonawanda New York, barn visits to see Emma's horse Toby and regular visits to Wendy's. He also had a fondness for cats, and one in particular was Audrey. Ross also loved spending time at The Bush where he could be outside, work on various projects and spend time with his family. Friends may call at the Futher-Franklin Funeral Home, 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley on Wednesday 7-9 p.m. and Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Wellesley Mennonite Church, 157 David Street, Wellesley on Friday, March28, 2025 at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Grand River Hospital Foundation for Freeport would be appreciated. www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com Donations may be made at the funeral home and church or by following these links: Alzheimer Society Stratford Perth www.alzheimer.ca/huronperth/en Grand River Hospital Foundation www.grhf.ca/

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Ross W. J. Kelterborn

June 25, 1939 - March 21, 2025