Ross Edward Walton

1936 - 2025

How do you write a simple yet great man's story? Here is a glimpse…
Ross Edward Walton entered the world on June 30, 1936, with a verve for learning and living unmatched by most. He had an incredibly storied life, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by so much love and gratitude on Nov. 15, 2025. Ross was known to be an incredibly hard worker and resourceful person; to never meet a stranger; to readily provide help and support to anyone in need; to cherish his time with family; and to enrich the lives of everyone around him.
Ross was born in Brownsville, Oregon, to Jesse Bruce Walton and Frances Eleanor (Adams) Walton. He spent much of his young years camping, hunting, and seeking knowledge with his grandmother Ella Lee (Allen) Adams, who welcomed every teachable moment with Ross. He was fascinated by guns, firearm history, and bullet knowledge; and procured and shared an exorbitant amount of guns over his nine decades. He was a voracious reader who loved to soak up life experiences throughout his time on this planet. He loved horses and dogs, and enjoyed many jobs involving horses in his early life.
Ross was the best at relaying information and lessons with his incredible storytelling and seemingly photographic memory of every history lesson he had absorbed over the years. He enjoyed fishing and flying, feeding his sense of adventure, and watching - and critiquing - Western movies. Ross was even a paid actor in a few films, and was selected as Mr. February in the Sourdough Jack look-alike contest. He loved travel, especially throughout Mexico and Central America. He taught himself Spanish, and read many Spanish newspapers online.
Ross enjoyed exploring the internet, and was still amazed by how much information and opportunity he encountered through his computer. He loved music and enjoyed uniting people through his guitar and timeless songs. He played countless concerts throughout his life, ranging from home shows just for family, to regular gigs at honky tonk bars, to big barn dance parties. Ross fulfilled a life dream in May 2022 by starring in his own Alaska Live radio concert and interview; which can forever be heard at https://fm.kuac.org/2022-05-27/alaska-live-with-ross-walton.
Ross was a phenomenal patriarch to his big family, both his original kin and the many people who adopted him along the way. He loved and cherished his younger siblings dearly. Ross became a devoted father to five children with his first wife Ida (Arguello) Loring. He later married Ellen (Driggs) Walton and adopted his youngest daughter at birth. Ross worked hard to provide for his family and quench his thirst for adventure, including being a cowboy, logger, truck driver, light and heavy duty mechanic, gold miner, and musician. He worked construction and was a proud member of Local 302 Operators Union for over 50 years.
The trans-Alaska pipeline drew him to Alaska in 1969, and he had jobs in many towns and villages throughout Alaska. Ross was passionate about his community, and voted in every election possible. He ran for Mayor of Fairbanks North Star Borough in the early 1990's; Borough Assembly in 2000; and was instrumental in changing the laws to allow local residents to participate in city gun sale auctions.
He was dedicated and encouraged a strong work ethic in others. He valued being useful, patient, and tolerant; being proud of what you put into this world; making life better for those around you; living with heart and a sense of curiosity; telling great stories and enjoying great laughs; and making time, connections, and opportunities. Ross would want others to be present in the music of life; to have fun; and to push boundaries. He cultivated a sense of wonder, adventure, justice, and drive; and inspired the lives of many who had the pleasure to share his path.
Ross is preceded in death by his parents; love of his life, Ellen; brother, Charles William Walton; and three children, Alan, April, and Charley Walton. He is survived by his children, Nevada, Clay, and Rita Walton; grandchildren, Terin (Ben) Porter, Jessi (Alex) Walton and Julianne (James) Oates; great-grandchildren, Lia (Sidney), James, Lyla, and Camilla; sisters, Ramona Walton and Rosa Lee Walton; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.
Ross' celebration of life will be open to all who knew and loved him from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at the Fairbanks, Alaska, Gallo's Mexican Restaurant. Ross' family will honor final wishes in 2026 to spread his ashes at his gold mine claim where Ellen has been waiting for him for over 35 years.