Ross William Bateman, the men for whom you were named.

Ross B. and Roselore R. Bateman

William "Bill" & Jeanne Hodge, Mommy and Ross too!

Ross,

   I thought I would take a break from all of the serious issues in your life and share how your mom and I decided to name you and a little about the men whom you were named for. When we were trying to think of names for a little boy, there was never any question. Ross William! Your grandfather, my fathers name was Ross Blair. He was a great man among men in many ways. He was a teacher of math, sciences and coached football, basketball and track for many years in Michigan, Missouri and Kansas schools. Later in his career he became an elementary school principal in two schools and the assistant superintendent of a third school in Jefferson county, Kansas. Your grandfather was a man that cared for all people he met and every child he taught. He was honest, hardworking and genuine in every way imaginable. All of the children that he taught coached or counseled loved him. He was fair and brilliant in so many ways. With all of his great qualities as a man and his love and his compassion for others helped make me the man that I am. I only hope that I can make him proud of how I raise you Ross and some of his qualities I will be able to teach you! One thing is for sure. I love you every bit as much as my father loved me probably even more. 

 
   Hi Ross, this is Mommy. I want to tell you about my Dad. His name is William "Bill" Hodge. He is grew up in California and moved to Missouri when he was a teenager. He is also a very caring and honest man and I grew up knowing he loved me very much! He is fun and adventurous, you never know what he will do next. I look forward to when you two get to talk about some of the things he has done, ask him about hike he and Uncle Ben went on back in the 90's. He also has some great stories about growing up with his brothers and sister on the homestead in California. Your Grandpa taught me that I can do anything I want to do and he  taught me not to take the easy way because it is better to do things the right way. These are the things I hope to teach you...to have fun, try your best, be honest, and be proud of your accomplishments! I also hope you always know that we love you and are very proud of you!!

We Love You Ross!

Daddy and Mommy