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John Ross Obituary
His funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Lawn Chapel, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
John Ross, whose nicknames also included "Unc" and "Butch," as well as "Jack," was born July 20, 1933, to James and Helen (Paliga) Ross in Stockett, Mont. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to Stockett, where he worked for Lewis Construction Co. for a short time, however, cold weather prompted him to take a job at Brevig Body Shop. It was there that he met and formed a lifelong friendship with Jerry and Jack Bowen.
John retired in his 50s to pursue his hobbies of fishing, car racing and woodworking.
Unc was a true giver, always thinking and caring for everyone else. His family and friends were a true joy and source of pride. Unc was very artistic and talented, taking on projects that he proudly entered in the fair and received top honors for his skilled woodworking.
Unc, we know you are at peace now and no longer suffering. You are and will always be our mentor and role model. We will think of you at every barbeque and raise a Pepsi in your memory. You are loved more than words can say.
Survivors include a sister, Bev Harpole of Great Falls; nephews James (Joy) Harpole of Nevada, and Kevin (Tammy) Harpole of Billings; a niece, Karleen Voytoski of Great Falls; an adopted niece, Rudy Newman of Great Falls; great-nieces and great-nephews Stacee Meccage of Arkansas, Dustin Voytoski of Bozeman, Rachel Einman of Arizona, Dylan Harpole of Billings, Grant Ratliff of Great Falls and Nick Harpole of Nevada; two great-great-nephews and a great-great-niece; friends and caregivers, Bill and Carla Brown and Charlie Pepos; his breakfast and fishing buddies, Bob Lesh and Dale Raunig; and longtime friends, Jack and Jerry Bowen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Ross; several aunts and uncles; and a great-great-nephew, Grayson Meccage.
Memorials are suggested to Centerville Senior Center, Stockett, MT 59480 or Special Olympics, Montana, 3117 5th Ave. N, Great Falls, MT 59401.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ross
Vince Konesky
March 9, 2009
Jack was truly a lifelong friend to my brother Steve and I. We went on many a hunting, fishing, & drift busting Jeep excursion with Jackie. Many cruises to the Stock car races back in the 60's in his little black 62 Nova. He and the " Bowen boys" taught me "ALL" I know about bodywork, esp. after living across the street for 20 years from "Ross" as the Bowens called him. I ran over to his place each time I saw him drag in another 'total'. It was a "kick!" They are all professionals at the trade. Gonna miss ya Jack. So long partner ! Thanks for ALL the great memories. God Bless Ya
Lori Paliga Landino
February 15, 2009
Dear Bev,Karleen,Jim, and Kevin,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jackie, he had such a gentle loving soul that will be missed.
Steven G Konesky
February 11, 2009
Hi Jack! Sure I'll have a Pepsi. How's the sheepherders wagon commin'.
It was always good times visiting at Jack's house!
I rember the day we were tamping a pole for Lewis Construction at Del Bonita in about 30 below, Jack stopped tamping and said "This is my last year out in this cold" and he went back to tamping. He started at Brevigs the next summer.
A man of his word and the best kind of a freind! You and your family are in our prayers.
Fred (fritz) Raunig
February 11, 2009
Bev & family
I have many childhood memories of Butch when I was growing up in Stockett.I really enjoyed stopping in to his garage when we were in high school to see what he was working on.What a craftsman he was.He will be missed by me and all our family.
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Fred & Juanita Raunig
February 10, 2009
Jack, you will be missed, because we have so many good memories of you, the hunting trips at Tiger Butte with the friends, when we were just kids, the time we met in Utah at Hill Airforce Base when we were both in the Military, our trip to Alaska, your visits to Swan Lake.
The Raunig family will always remember you and be grateful for the work you did on the Raunig Ranch Cemetary where our mom and dad are buried, the care you gave our mother, and for being our son's godfather. Our condolences and love to your family. Fred & Juanita Raunig
The congregation at Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
February 10, 2009
To Jack's Family & Friends,
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of this delightful man whose life, well lived, has left such a lasting impression of love and fellowship for your inspiration. We will pray for your complete comfort and healing from sorrow through our Lord, Jesus Christ, His loving presence is beyond all compare and will give you courage to face each new day.
Jean and Bob (Raunig) Kuhn
February 9, 2009
Dear Bev and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Jackie's death. I have so many good memories of all the times he spent at our house with Dale. He was so good to Mom and he always stopped in to see us when we were in Stockett. Bob enjoyed fishing with him and Dale. He will be missed by so many people but we all have good memories.
You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
JERRY HERIGON
February 9, 2009
I WILL ALWAYS MISS JACKS SMILEING FACE IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH JACK AS A BODYMAN. ONE OF THE BEST TRADE MEN KNOWEN.
Karen Ladd
February 9, 2009
"Butch" Ross was a family friend of Charles and Evelyn Ladd, when we were stationed at Malmstrom A.F.B. We all agreed it was the best time of our lives. Mom and Dad have passed away in the last five years, as well as my brother Billy. Butch spent many hours at our dining room table playing cards during the long winter evenings. We have often thought of him and our time in Stockett. Dad wanted to get back in touch with Butch after Mom died, but never did. I hope they are all having coffee and playing cards in heaven. My heart-felt condolences to the family.
Deborah Raunig
February 8, 2009
Dear Bev, Carleen and Family,
I was deeply saddened yesterday to learn that Jack had passed away. He was my God Father you know and my dad's best friend. He had visited our home a few times throughout the years with my dad in Falls and once at our home on Flathead Lake. He never missed a Christmas during my childhood. One time his mom, Helen made a wonderful pajama bag to give to me. He was so kind to my grandma during her aging years, living alone in her home in Stockett. He helped my dad meet her needs in so many ways that we will never know. Quiet, but extremely talented, the miniture cabin he built for my dad was amazing. I hadn't seen him recently, but kept up on him through dad. He will be very much missed.
Bob Van Vleet
February 8, 2009
Dear Bev and Familys.I took the news of Butchs'passing very hard as I considered Him a very good friend.Because of our being in CA almost 8 months last year I didnt get out to see him and didnt realize he was that sick.He will be missed ,with our deepest Sympathy, Bob and Kathy Van Vleet
arlin sebastian
February 8, 2009
Butch was a amazing person and good friend. Having a cup of coffee with Butch during my visits to the "gulch" over the years were always special. Our childhood years consisted of countless hours of playing ball in front of Butch's house. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harpole family. Your Friend Arlin Sebastian
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