Dale J. Ross was born May 8, 1935 in Vernal, Utah to Harold J Ross and Alberta Mott Williams. He passed away February 23, 2020 in Vernal, Utah at the age of 84.
His early years were spent in the Uintah Basin and the Wasatch Front, where his character was molded and refined. Though often filled with challenges and hardships, Dale had many fond memories of his childhood. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved and cherished his large family.
Throughout his life, he loved learning and developing his mind, and excelled in his education. During his high school years, he was a member of many clubs and organizations, such as student government, where he served as Student Body President. He also enjoyed acting and participated in the drama program. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1953, and continued his education throughout his life, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Utah in 1972 with continuing graduate work in Education at Brigham Young University.
It was in high school that he met and fell in love with his Eternal Companion and love of his life, Carillon Searle Ross. On January 28, 1954 they were married in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple. Throughout their lives together they lived in Paso Robles, CA, Cortez, CO, Provo, UT, Salt Lake City, UT, and finally returned home to Vernal, UT In 1978.
In 1953, he enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Private 1st Class. He served in California and then Colorado, where he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, graduating with Honors as Top Guard Officer. This began a lifelong military career spanning 29 years and culminating with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He achieved numerous awards and recognition during his service including the Meritorious Service Medal. He served as a Commander, Training Officer, Public Information Officer, Gunnery and Tactics Instructor, and ended his career as a Command and General Staff College Instructor at Fort Douglas, Utah. He served in many specialties including Combat Engineers, Tank and Armor, Heavy Mortar and Artillery. He loved the Military and proudly served his country. He was always quick to give credit to his wife Carillon for making it all possible and supporting him.
Soon after relocating to Colorado, he honed his professional broadcasting voice and embarked on a career in Radio Broadcasting that spanned 40 years. He spent many of those years as a Sales Manager for KVEL/KUIN radio in Vernal, UT, but his true passion was Sports Broadcasting. His voice filled the radio airwaves in Utah, Colorado, and surrounding areas, and his children enjoyed staying up late to hear him. He would often cock his chin, clear his throat, and produce his carefully crafted radio voice to the delight of his family.
From his earliest years, Dale loved music and performing. He became proficient with the Saxophone, and played in numerous swing and dance bands over the years including the Dale Ross Orchestra. As a young father looking for opportunities to support his young family, he learned that a local band was in need of a drummer for the night. So, he went to a local pawn shop and purchased a drum kit. He had never played the drums before , but that night he did and did so successfully. This fostered a love that continued throughout his life. In his later years he greatly enjoyed playing for dances at the Golden Age Center in Vernal, Ut.
His education allowed him to teach in many different capacities. His favorite was as a Full Time Seminary Teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a passion for the Gospel and teaching Gods children. Throughout his life, he was a shining example of faith and perseverance. His favorite hobby was collecting and archiving LDS Church doctrine often in the form of magazines, articles, and books. He and Carillon served as a couple in the California, San Francisco Mission, where he was able to revisit the Spanish language that he had learned as a young man. He recalled their service as missionaries as one of the highlights of their lives. He served in many church callings in his life including as an Seventy. He also served his community in many different ways including as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Dinosaur Gardens Committee, Uintah Arts Council, and as President of the Lions Club.
He wore many different hats throughout his life to support his family and his passion for learning. He was always the consummate professional, but his greatest achievement was his family. Just ask any one of his 7 children, 28 Grandchildren, 36 Great Grandchildren or 9 Great Great Grandchildren who all share memories of him gleefully eating their ears or toes. We are his legacy, each an example of his love and devotion. He made each one of us feel special. We will honor his legacy by remembering all that he taught us through his example.
Dales Family wish to Thank the Beehive Home and Canyon Home Health Hospice in Vernal for their Loving and Professional care of both Dale and Carillon.
Dale J Ross was preceded in death by his Father Harold J Ross, Mother Alberta Mott Williams Grandson Russell (Rusty) William Ross and Granddaughter Emily Sue Ross. He is survived by his Loving Wife Carillon Searle Ross, His sons David Dale ( Valerie) Ross , Stephen Ray (Dixie) Ross , Derek Jon (Susan) Ross, Kerry Lynn (Jody) Ross, Harold Shane Ross his daughters Camille (Mike) Perusek, Stephanie Anne (Todd) Anfinson His Brothers Glade M Ross and Darwin Kay Ross, 28 Grandchildren 36 Great Grandchildren and 9 Great Great Grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11AM at the Vernal 8th Ward Chapel (1499 West Highway 40). A viewing for family and friends will be held Sunday evening from 6-8PM at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Monday 9:45-10:45AM at the Chapel. Interment will be in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.Visitation Sun, Mar 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmSmithfield City Cemetery
300 E Center St
Smithfield, UT 84335
View Map Visitation Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 9:45 am - 10:45 amAshley Valley Funeral Home
410 North 800 West
Vernal, UT 84078
View Map Funeral Service Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 11:00 amVernal 8th Ward
1499 West Hwy 40
Vernal, UT 84078
View Map Interment Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 12:15 pmVernal 8th Ward
1499 West Hwy 40
Vernal, UT 84078
View Map
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