Boyd Ross

Boyd Ross of Pleasant Grove, Utah passed away September 29th, 2025 at the age of 82. Boyd was a dedicated father and step-father, a loving and devoted husband, a fun, affectionate grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to tell his family members that he loved them. He embodied strength throughout his life, facing every challenge with a quiet toughness.

He was born on December 21, 1942 in Price, Utah to Melba Leonard Ross and Eugene Willis Ross. He spent the first part of his childhood in Price where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. For the first five years of his life, Boyd was an only child, but shared a special bond with his Aunt Bonnie, who was born the same year. His Grandmother Leonard lived close by, and he spent many hours at her house. He was the oldest of four children, with two brothers, Ricky and Billy, and a little sister, Karleen. After elementary school, his family moved to Draggerton, a coal mining town near Price. In high school, he developed an interest in lifting weights, an enthusiasm that continued through most of his life. The gym was always his happy place.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany beginning in 1961. He enjoyed his time overseas and traveled around Europe on leave. After his service, he returned to Utah where he liked living in rural areas and enjoyed having a horse to ride.

Boyd had an incredible work ethic, which he passed on to his children. He was always ready to help family or neighbors with any difficult task. Boyd worked at the Kennecott Copper smelter, often holding a second job doing construction. He also developed a love for karate, earning a black belt, participating in tournaments, and teaching karate. He spent many years working with boys both as a scoutmaster and karate instructor.

Music was another of Boyd's passions. He was gifted with the ability to play music by ear. He loved to play the guitar and became especially expert in early blues music on the harmonica. He encouraged his children and his grandchildren to develop an interest in music. Boyd firmly believed in the concept that "when words fail, music speaks."

During the years Maureen was working with blind and visually impaired students, Boyd gave up many Saturdays to help with activities for the students.

Before moving to Pleasant Grove, Boyd spent 33 years in Layton. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout his life and relied on the Savior to help him through life's trials.

Boyd is survived by his wife, Maureen, his children Todd (Deborah) Ross, Troy (Jennifer) Ross, Shane Ross, Wyatt (Jen) Ross; stepchildren Erika Skougard, Jen (Scott) Huntsman, Melissa (Richard) Nuttall, Mike Skougard, Neil (Carly) Skougard; daughter-in-law Cherrie Ross; twenty-seven grandchildren; his sister Karleen Erickson, and his aunts Bonnie Murray and Monty Basso. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Richard Ross and William Ross.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery, 17111 South Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale, Utah.

A memorial service will follow at 12:30 pm in the Pleasant Grove 12th Ward Chapel, 828 South Locust Avenue, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.