Maryville couple dies of heat stroke in home

Police say an elderly Maryville couple died of heat stroke inside their home after turning up the thermostat as high as it would go.

The children of Edgar and Florence Ross who were in their 80's say their parents were practically inseparable.

Steve Ross, a son says, "They were coming up on being married 60 years in August. It's quite a testimony to their longevity and to their perseverance to their tolerance."

The Ross' met in their 20's and grew old together eventually retiring in Maryville because they liked the climate, living close to the mountains as well as the medical facilities nearby.

Officers from the Maryville Police Department were called to the Ross' home on Windemere Circle on Monday for a welfare check when the couple missed an appointment with a health care worker and they got concerned.

The Ross' children who live out of state were helping the couple get in touch with local health care resources just to make sure they were well taken care of.

Mike Johnston, Captain with the Maryville Police Department says, "Almost immediately walking in the door you could feel the heat. You knew it would be a problem."

The Ross' had complained to their children about their bouts with the chills before, still no one ever expected this.

Officers found the Ross' unconscious inside. The apparent victims of heat stroke.

Captain Johnston says, "The thermostat was set at 99 degrees. It was the highest you could put it on and it felt like 99 degrees in the house. It could have been warmer."

For the Ross', a lifetime of living together, raising their kids and their dog Gypsy together, ironically came to an end together. Their children say a blessing of its own. Ross adds, "If they had their choice I think this is the way they would have wanted to go. We don't have the choice of how to go but they were inseparable."

The couple also enjoyed traveling and listening to music. Passions that will likely be carried on through the generations.

The Ross' funeral is set for Friday at 11:00 am at the New Providence Church in Maryville.