In Memory of Maureen Cromling

At the request of, and out of respect for the family and their privacy, we only now share with you the extreme loss that will be felt by many. Second generation family owner and mother to current third generation ownership of the Ross Group of companies, has passed away.

The family continues to ask for privacy and your prayers while they work through this loss.

Maureen M. Cromling
Published on June 30, 2019- The Chronicle Telegram

Today, we mourn the loss of a dedicated, loyal, hardworking, resilient and extremely intelligent pillar of the local community. On Friday, June 28, 2019, Maureen (Ross) Cromling reunited with her parents and God.

Loving daughter, mother, grandmother and aunt. Maureen (Ross) Cromling was born July 23, 1948, to Bob and Ada Ross and literally grew up in the family business. Recognized as having over 50 official years of service with the Ross Group of companies (Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc.), Maureen served in multiple capacities, having her hands in every aspect of the business, including but not limited to President and CEO of Ross Environmental from 1992-2007.

In 1983, Ross companies’ founders Bob and Ada, sold their interests in the company that they started in 1949, to their children Gary and Maureen. Shortly thereafter, Maureen and her husband, William Cromling II took sole ownership of the companies in 2001.

Maureen served the Ross companies through some of its most formative years in its history alongside her father and brother. In 2003, Maureen led the companies through the completion of an $11 million-dollar (almost $50 million dollars today) capital improvement project that cemented Ross as a technological leader in the industry with the new Maximum Achievable Control Technology standard.

In 1995, the Ross companies were effectively shut down after an internal explosion damaged their incineration system. Along with several others, and under Maureen’s direction, the companies rebuilt and only six months later they were back up and running without laying off a single associate. Through Maureen’s leadership, family ownership established its continued commitment to its associates, the community and the industry.

Throughout the years, Maureen had received numerous awards for the Ross companies’ philanthropy, community service and industry excellence. In 2001, the Ross companies were included in the Weatherhead 100, a distinguished group of the fastest growing companies in Northeast Ohio and the Golden 30 Awards, recognizing companies in Lorain, Erie and Huron counties for their dedication to growth and development and their contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.For several consecutive years, the Ross companies were named a NorthCoast 99 company that honors the top 99 workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. In 2018, the Ross companies and their philanthropic arm the Ross Foundation, Inc. received the Excellence in Leadership Award from Leadership Lorain County.

During 2008, she was named to the Midview Schools Hall of Honor and was honored by EI Digest with their Industry Leadership Award. In February of 2007, she was featured in Inside Business Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Northeastern Ohio. During 2005, she was honored by Leadership Lorain County with the Distinguished Leadership Award at their Difference Makers Gala. In December 2002, she was featured in Success Stories, an exclusive series of articles featuring local business success stories, published by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During September of 2002, she was honored by the Governor of the State of Ohio with the Governor’s Award for Women’s Excellence in Enterprise. In January of 2002, Maureen received a national honor – the prestigious Industry Award from the Environmental Technology Council. She has received a number of other awards and recognitions over the years for her industry leadership and community volunteerism.

These few examples show the love, dedication and loyalty that Maureen shared with her family, friends, associates, community and church group at North Eaton Christian Church throughout her life. She committed her life to building on the legacy her parents started and to leave a better tomorrow for her family, community and Eaton Township.

She will be extremely missed by all. Survivors include her loving husband of 52 years Bill II; sons, Bill III (Chris) and Jon (Cindy) and six grandchildren.

All services were private.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests that memorial contributions in Maureen’s memory be sent to the Blessing House Capital Campaign Fund, 5440 Grove Ave., Lorain, OH 44055.