Ellis Lavern Ross, 92 of Watford City passed away surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 6, 1929, to Claude and Vera Ross on a farm near Alexandria, SD, the first of their five children. In 1942, his parents bought a farm in Sanborn County, where they raised hogs, cattle, horses, and poultry. In Dad’s words, he was first a “chore boy, later a farm hand.” He graduated from 8th grade country school in 1943, and from Artesian High School in 1947.

After high school, Vern “drifted a bit” working as a hired hand both on the family farm and for other area farmers. He also drove trucks, hauling livestock and poultry from Mitchell to processing plants in Iowa and Nebraska.

In 1951, he was drafted into the US Marine Corps. He went through boot camp in San Diego, served at Camp Pendleton, CA in the 3rd Tank Battalion, and completed his service in November 1953 at Headquarters of the 9th MCR&RD in Chicago, IL. He entered South Dakota State University in January 1954 on the GI Bill. He graduated in December 1959 and worked as a farm manager until hiring on with Farmers Home Administration in November 1961.

He married JoAnne Essink on December 1, 1957. As Kenneth was born in January 1959, Ellis and JoAnne knew the struggle of supporting a family while going to college. Laura and Doug were born in South Dakota, so it was a family of five that Ellis & JoAnne packed up and moved for a two-month training period in Dickinson. In January 1962, the FHA assigned him to Linton, where Tom was born, completing their family. In 1965, the family moved to Towner, relocating to New Town in 1974. In 1980, Ellis and JoAnne moved to Watford City and built their current home. Ellis retired from the FHA in November 1989.

After retirement, he had more time to devote to “being a cowboy”: riding, raising and training horses. Ellis helped area ranchers with calving and round ups. A highlight was assisting with buffalo round ups at the North Unit. After finding pleasure in helping his grandkids with their 4-H steers, he began finishing a couple of calves each year for his family’s use.

Throughout his life, Ellis dedicated himself to faith, family, community and fun! Upon arriving in a new location, Ellis would establish a church home, serving in whatever capacity was needed. He also got involved in the local community, volunteering as a Webelo and Boy Scout Leader. He was a 69-year member of the American Legion, championing the Oratorical Contest in both Towner and Watford City. As a member of the Carl Rogen Post 29, he proudly served on the Drill Team. He was also a member of the Long X Wagon Trail.

He taught us all to appreciate God’s creation by taking us hiking, canoeing, tobogganing, fishing, hunting, camping and horseback riding. Our family playgrounds were the Mouse River and the J. Clark Sayler Wildlife Refuge in Towner, Lake Sakakawea and the North Unit of the TRNP. He introduced us to basketball, tennis, cross country and downhill skiing. He loved to play games–ping pong, Upwords, and work crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 ½ years, JoAnne; sons, Ken of Arnegard; Doug (Marilyn) of Watford City; Tom (Betty) of Bismarck; and daughter, Laura (Jeff) Rust of Bismarck; 7 grandchildren: Carlee (Cesar) Villarreal of Fairview; Kade Ross of Sidney; Guy Ross of Watford City; Caleb Rust of Missoula; Naomi Rust of Xenia, OH; Sterling Ross of Denver; Shelby (Manny) Sevilla of Bismarck; and two great-granddaughters, Mia and Emma Villarreal. He is also survived by a brother, Glenn, of Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dorothy Learn, brothers, Clyde & Keith. Blessed be the memory of Ellis Lavern Ross.

Memorial Contribution