Florence Ross
Florence (Peterson) Ross passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, Mont.
Florence was born to Hassell and Freda (Anderson) Peterson on Jan. 29, 1940, and was raised on the family farm near Parshall, N.D.
After graduating from high school, Florence went on to further her education and received her Masters in Education from Northern Illinois University. She then taught high school math and science in Mohall, N.D. before moving to Sidney, Mont. where she taught at the junior high.
In the spring of 1977, Florence met Robert “Bob” Ross at the bowling alley in Sidney while on a couples league. They were united in marriage in July of 1977. To this union, Bob brought three children, Debby, Audrey, and Bob Jr. In June of 1979 Florence and Bob welcomed their first daughter, Leslie, followed by their second daughter, Michelle, in December of 1980.
Before she met Bob, Florence was an avid bowler. She bowled in many tournaments in North Dakota and Montana She even traveled to several national bowling tournaments as well.
After marrying Bob, Florence hung up her teaching hat and became Bob’s right hand woman at various oil field ventures that Bob took on. Together they owned BOS in Farview, Mont., and R&M Pumpjack Service in Alexander, N.D. She helped Bob with the books when he took on a job with American Exploartion. They decided to jump into a new career path in 1994, when they bought the Ragged Butte Inn in Alexander. They owned and operated the motel until 2004, when they retired from the motel business and moved to Watford City, N.D. to be near their daughter, Leslie. They weren’t completely retired however, as Bob had still been in the oil field with his business, RBI LLP, which Florence helped with too. They finally entered retirement and moved to Billings, Mont. in November of 2013.
Florence loved to bowl. She also enjoyed sewing, working on crossword puzzles, word games and following NBA basketball. She also enjoyed keeping up on the news and watching FOX News as well as following her soaps, Young & the Restless and Days of Our Lives. She also enjoyed texting her family and friends. Florence also enjoyed spending time with her and Bob’s dog, Tucker, and teaching him how to count to four with Junior Mints, and baby-sitting her grand-dogs, Bailey and Gus.
Florence is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” of Billings, Mont.; daughters, Debby (Joe) Muscha and Audrey Ross of Williston, N.D., Leslie (Andrew Boyer) Ross of Billings, Mont.; and son, Bob Jr. of West Fargo, N.D. Florence also leaves behind two grandchildren, Ryan Ross of West Fargo, N.D. and Shandy (Andy) Kraft of Center, N.D.; and four great grandchildren, Alyssa Ross, and Kayleigh, Ethan and Khloe Kraft. She is also survived by a sister, Phyllis Thompson of Mohall, N.D., and a brother, Eldor Peterson of Havre, Mont.; sister-in-law, Donna (Dale) Lysaker and brother-in-law, Jeff Ross, both of Williston. N.D.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hassell and Freda; her brothers, Ronald, Wendell, and Palmer; her sisters, Lorraine and Elda; and her daughter, Michelle; and her grand-dog Bailey.
Cremation has occurred and per Florence’s request there will be no funeral services. A family service will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be made in Florence’s name to the charity of your choice.