Billy Don - Ross

BILLY DON ROSS resident of Fortuna, passed away on February 23, 2015 surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 1, 1927 in Blackwell, OK to Robert and Leslie Ross. The Ross family moved to Benicia, CA in the 40's where Bill graduated from Benicia High School. After graduation he enlisted into the Merchant Marines followed by entry into the US Army during the Korean War. He served his country for 4 years. After being honorably discharged, Bill moved to Rockport, CA to work in the timber industry. This is where he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Betty Wyonia Yates. Bill and Betty where married in Mendocino, CA on May 9, 1953 and would be celebrating their 62rd wedding anniversary this year. Their two oldest sons, Jim and Rick were born in 1954 and 1957 before moving to Carlotta, CA. Bill went to work for Carlotta Lumber Company in 1957 where he worked for 47 years and worked his way up to superintendent. Bill and Betty moved to Fortuna in Campton Heights and had their 3rd son Steve at Redwood Memorial Hospital in 1963. In 1968, Bill and Betty adopted their daughter Penny. Bill was a member of the Fortuna Union High School booster club where he proudly watched all three sons participate in football and track. Years later, he proudly watched his grandsons participate on the same FUHS fields. Bill was a member of the Fortuna VFW. Earlier in his life, Bill served in the Fort Bragg volunteer fire department, where he and his fellow firemen built the giant Old Lady in the Shoe for the Paul Bunyan Days Parade, 1947. It is now displayed at Confusion Hill, Leggett, CA. Bill's hobbies included hunting with his sons and friends. He also had a huge interest in military history and read widely on this topic. Bill loved woodworking and his grandchildren still have many of his creations he made for them as children. Bill is survived by his wife Betty of 61 years of Fortuna and his children Rick (Susanne), Steve (Christine), and Penny (Doug). He also leaves behind his grandchildren James Ross (Jennifer), Cassidy Ross, Quade Ross, Colton Ross, Kale Ross, Ashley Elwell, and Tyler Elwell as well as two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter due in May. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and his son, Jim. Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 2:00pm at Sunrise Cemetery on 3315 Newburg Rd, Fortuna followed by a reception at the Fortuna VFW on Main Street. The family would like to thank the Fortuna Wellness and Rehab Center for their care over the past several years. We would also like to thank Dr. Baird and the entire staff at Redwood Memorial Hospital ICU for their compassion and support. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to the Fortuna VFW or FUHS booster club.

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