Robert Ross

Billings – Robert (Bob) M. Ross, an adoring and tender Husband, a committed and loving Dad, a Brother who was totally dedicated to his sister, the one he had the ‘longest relationship with', a grandpa, friend to many, and a man of many talents, interests, and professional accomplishments left this earthly world on January 21, 2014. Bob was born June 22, 1946 to Robert M. Ross Sr. and Maxine A. Wiant, in Portland, OR. He was the second of three in the family joined by Gary James (Skip) and Becky. He graduated from Lake Oswego, High School in 1964. A few years after high school graduation, Bob headed west to Montana where he remembered visiting his mom's family as a child. Bob and Laura Carrell raised their family in Billings, Montana. Michele R. Luminato and Steven J. Ross were born to this couple. They shared many hours of participating in the Native American culture and other outdoor recreational activities. Bob's interest as a child in Native cultures lead to his friendship with Carson Walks Over Ice and adoption in the Lillian Hogan Clan in his early adult years. During this time he became a member of the Crow Night Hawk Social and Dance Society. Over the years, Bob had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, mountain man rendezvous, powwows; and, we can't miss, riding his Harley. Bob was also an avid historian and spent much of his time reading and studying. While raising his family Bob also attended Eastern Montana University (MSU) and graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Bob worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for a large portion of his professional career. Bob's work in the Human Service field (cross-disability) provided him the opportunity to share his gift of listening, problem solving and to be a humanitarian. Bob offered his time and talents to many professional groups and boards. He received recognition for his service from state and local organizations including but not limited to NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and the Department of Corrections and Public Health and Human Services Advisory Boards. Bob's longest career was with South Central Regional Mental Health Center where he served as Executive Director for close to 20 years. During that time he was recognized for his exemplary leadership and also for his heart for those serving their country. He was recognized as a Patriotic Employer and Honorary Cannoneer by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force and exemplifying the true spirit of the Prairie Lightning Battalion. Bob understood the importance of ‘Honoring the Troops” in his work and through his son who served and retired from military duty. Bob has practiced fine art all of his life. He is of Scottish and Metis (French Canadian-Chippewa) descent, and spent his early years producing Native American style art in the form of beadwork, carving and feather work. Only in recent years has this ancient art form been considered fine art. Bob has many pieces in the hands of dealers, collectors, museums and friends. Bob has encouraged and realized the generational gift of art through his daughter Michele. In 2008, Bob married Marnie, his best friend and best advisor. As a couple, Bob and Marnie began a new stage in their lives by expanding his artistic skills and expressing his need to be creative. Bob had no formal training in the fine arts; he is the first to say he has been fortunate to have been mentored by great people, fine artists and friends in his life who provided encouragement and guidance. To quote Bob, “No one is really self-taught beyond that which we learn in the privacy of our own studios. Even the old masters teach us, if we are willing to take time to study the art. We simply have to be willing students”. Bob and Marnie were married five short years; they spent those five years loving each other, exploring each other's lives, and learning the art of acceptance and commitment to the Sacrament of Marriage. Marnie's greatest memories were Bob's wonderful hugs – where he reminded her, “I'm not hugging you, I'm holding you. I think you need to be held.” Time together in the ‘dry lands' became a refuge and freedom for them both. Bob, true to his heart and values, loved Marnie's children and grandchildren. Bob's commitment to family and community lives on through his soft words of wisdom and love. There are too many to share, the following were especially memorable: Always Be With People Who Love You; No One can Take Your Integrity From You – Always Take the High Road; and Don't Polish the Stone too Hard (it will crumble). Please keep our family in your prayers as we heal, remember, and celebrate Bob's life. If we have forgotten to include anyone in the family list we request your forgiveness. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Maxine and Robert Sr., his beloved brother ‘Skip', numerous aunts and uncles, and adoptive family members including Lillian Hogan (mother), Carson Walks Over Ice (brother) and Gary Johnson II (brother). Sadly, his very good friend Tom Myers passed away in March and Bob's grief for his friend was deep. Survivors include his wife Marlene (‘Marnie'); his sister Becky (Richard); his daughter Michele Luminato (Guy), and grandchildren Bianca and Michael; his son Steve (Becky Jo) and grandchildren, Madison, Mason, and Hudson; Marnie's children, Tom Disburg (Anna) and grandchild Aidan; Paulette Alexenko (Brad); and, Tyler Disburg (Stephanie) and grandchildren Abigail and Anneliese. Other very important and loved people in Bob's life include Grace Brekhus (Anne Lewis and Barry Brekhus parents) whom Bob nurtured and mentored from her early years, and, Tia and Gary Mitchell, close family friends. Crow family surviving members include: Sisters Lorena Walks Over Ice, Louella Johnson (Gary), Nellie Singer, Mary Wallace and Mardell Plainfeather; Brother Adam Singer (Berniece), and, Nieces Terri WhitemanRunsHim and Clarene Walters. A very special Thank You goes to the ICU Team at St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver, Colorado for the amazing medical and personal care provided to Bob and the family. Also to Applewood Plumbing and Heating of Denver for providing a home for us to stay in called Applewood House. A reception will follow.Memories or condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com Service: Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 31 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave. and officiated by Father Wayne from St. Pius X Catholic Church.