ELMER ROSS obituary

CHINOOK - Elmer LeRoy Ross, 85, died of natural causes on Friday, Sept. 24, 2004, at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the American Lutheran Church with burial following in Kuper Memorial Cemetery.

LeRoy

was born on Aug. 4, 1919, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan by midwife to Pete and Jennie Mabel (Powell) Ross. He came to the United States at age 2 with his mother. They moved to Chinook in 1925 and lived out south on Cow Creek with his Uncle Dell Powell. He attended the Rattlesnake School through the eighth grade and attended high school in Big Sandy. He helped run the family farm and ranch for a number of years.

LeRoy moved into Chinook in 1952 and started working with heavy equipment for Blaine County.

On Jan. 20, 1953, LeRoy married Ruby Moxley in Chinook.

LeRoy had a multitude of interests, including construction, working on oil rigs, driving truck, his paper route, hunting, fishing, yard maintenance and salvaging many treasures. A jack of all trades, LeRoy loved playing fiddle and guitar in his spare time. When he wasn't playing, he loved to be dancing. His favorite saying was, "He who dies with the most toys wins."

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Della Lariver and Lorena Black.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Ross of Chinook; son, Randy Ross of Chinook; daughters, Tara (Jess) Baird of Chinook and Kimbrli Ross and Kelly (Mike) Deck, both of Great Falls; brother, George W. Ross of Havre; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.