Ross Johnson Obituary
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Ross was born on December 28, 1947, to Ned and Mildred Johnson, in Fairmont, Minnesota. He grew up in Sherburn, Minnesota and later moved to Montana where he graduated from Bozeman High School. Ross attended college at Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota where he met and married the love of his life, Vera. They later moved to Alliance, Nebraska, where he taught school and coached wrestling. After retirement they returned to Montana to be near both daughters.
Ross fell in love with horses at an early age. He carried that passion throughout his life team roping, shoeing horses, and passing on the craft of horsemanship to many along the way.
Ross was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, cousin, Rick Prenosil, and beloved sister, Sidni Kelsey.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vera; daughters: Jaimi (Jake) Best and Brittany (Brent) Pimley; sisters: Vikki Johnson and Joedi Johnson (Cal Beauregard); brother: Maxx (Ann) Johnson; Cousin: Dennis (Lona) Larson and family.
Other remaining family includes his beloved brothers and sister's in-law and their beautiful children and grandchildren.
Ross was known as Poppy to the lights of his life, his four grandchildren: Bailey Jo (11), Colter Jacob (9), Brenna Jean (7), and Briggs Brenton (2).
Ross will be honored in a memorial service at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Billings, Montana on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Final resting place will be Calvary Cemetery in Billings.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
ROSS HERSTEDT
August 15, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbie Applegarth
March 9, 2023
Ross was a great guy, taking extra care to shoe our special horse friends. His kind and gentle spirit will be missed.
Harold and Lois Johnson
Roger and Barbie Applegarth
Rol Bradford
March 5, 2023
I am so shocked and saddened. Ross and I started at Dakota State together playing football. As cowboys we soon became best friends. I went to High School with Vera. As time passes we went out separate ways and last we had met was in Alliance as I was living in Pine Ridge. I moved to New Mexico and we lost track of each other. Vera if you get this in time I would love to come to the service. My # is 605 593 6078. I live in Rapid City. Still in disbelief.
Ron, Lori & Ryan Hallauer
March 4, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Wendy Vallelonga
March 4, 2023
Vera Jean... I´m sending you and your family so much love. I´m so very sorry. You´ve all been blessed with so many loving memories.
Jon & Mary Lou Harding
March 3, 2023
Sending lots of prayers to Vera and the family. Brought a ton of memories flooding in from our times team roping at the Circle R and Alliance. That is one of the blessings our lord graces us with, our memories ...
Bob,Kim and Jason Stegemann
March 3, 2023
A friend gone to soon.
The times we shared in and out of the arena with him and his family will always be a part of us going forward.
Rest in Peace my Friend
Jake Toedtli
March 3, 2023
Ross and Vera had their barn/acerage north of my parents house, a lot of my childhood was spent walking thru the pasture to the barn to watch Ross trim and shoe horses. As I got older we would go riding north of his barn and around the nearby pivots. Ross would keep and eye out for the geese and when they were flying over so I could sit up at the barn in the mornings/afternoons to shoot at them. Thank you for all the memories Ross. I´m so thankful for our savior Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you in heaven someday Ross.
Monte Jamison
March 3, 2023
Had some great memories with Ross when Dad Burr and Doug and Tom and Rick and Monte all traveled to the rodeo´s together!!!It was a lot of fun back in the day.Rest in peace . Monte Jamison
Kelsey Iwan
March 3, 2023
I had two favorite teachers in my life, one being Ross the other being Vera. Ross (Mr . Johnson to me growing up) was an awesome teacher and neighbor. He was one of the nicest people you could meet, always a smile on his face, and a great sense of humor. My deepest sympathies go out to Vera, Jaimi, and Brittnay.
Virgil Hagel
March 3, 2023
I remember Ross several different ways.. His big mustache,smile and humor.. I also remember patching his horse trailer tire that had 13 nails and pieces of wire in it.. (most ever for me). Ross made a difference in our Alliance community... Ride on Cowboy!!
Wade Morgan
March 2, 2023
Ross is one of the best men I have ever known, I will miss him until we meet again my friend. My deepest condolences to Vera and all of the Family
Brian and Carol Iodence
March 2, 2023
We thought the world of Ross, great memories. RIP Cowboy!
Jim and Penny Furmanfurma
March 2, 2023
Our warmest regards and love to all. Jim and Penny Furman
Sue and Bob Hipsag
March 2, 2023
One good man and friend gone too soon. Sending prayers and condolences to Vera and family. Sue and Bob Hipsag
Shelly and Linus Haines
March 2, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear of Ross´s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Katie Lenz-Huston
March 2, 2023
To his family, I am so very sorry! Please find comfort in knowing Ross was healed in heaven.
Dan. Brennan
March 2, 2023
What a nice guy. A friend to many and fellow team roper. My condolences to the family.
Rolene Hoegerl
March 2, 2023
So very sorry Vera and family Ross was my shoer and friend for 30 years. He was a great guy.any good memories
RoyAnn Garrett
March 2, 2023
So very sad to hear this. Memories just filled my thoughts. Vera and girls I am so very sorry. Prayers and love to you all.
Melody Benjamin
March 2, 2023
My sincere sympathy to the family. I am better for having known Ross.
Ande Girard
March 2, 2023
Ross was always a pleasure to see and visit with,I always walked away with a smile or a laugh, made the journey more enjoyable, my condolences.Vera and family
Ande Girard
judy laursen
March 2, 2023
Remembering you and family with deepest sympathies in the loss of Ross..........
Ellen & Chas Lierk
March 2, 2023
Holding you all in prayer. Ross touched so many lives for good and has many friends in Alliance. We are so sorry for this loss and grateful he was surrounded by family.
John McClaren
March 2, 2023
Ross was a bright spot in the sometimes miserable days of wrestling practice- providing a smile and careful guidance to a kid that needed exactly that at the right time. Even after that whenever I encountered him he was positive, friendly, and had the right thing to say, providing help, jokes, and warmth whenever needed. He will be missed for sure.
Mary Schadwinkel
March 2, 2023
We were sad to hear about Ross. He touched so many lives. Prayers for you Vera and family. Mary Schadwinkel
Tom Wildy
March 1, 2023
So sorry! Prayers
Such a great memories!!!
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