Kenneth James Ross, age 80, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 25, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena, Montana after a battle with Covid. He was surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Ken was born July 11, 1941, in Kalispell, Montana to Theodore Ross and Esther (Rasmussen) Ross. He was the youngest of four siblings. Ken attended Flathead County Public schools until he was 15 when his parents bought Polebridge Store and he completed his high school through the American School of Chicago. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of attending Glacier Bible Camp, Hungry Horse, MT; playing as a young child in the sawdust floor of the Tabernacle; praying around the altar; and participating in Camp activities every year. He never missed Camp and was called into the ministry by God when he was 15 years old. For a young man who loved hunting, fishing and all outdoor activities, Polebridge and Glacier National Park were a dream come true. Logan Pass and the Going To The Sun Highway were never to be missed annual drives for Ken’s entire life.
After Graduating high school, Ken attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN. While attending college, he met his future wife, Marilyn. They were married after his graduation in 1964 and were married 48-1/2 years before Marilyn preceded him in death. They have two daughters, Jeanine and Denise.
Ken and Marilyn started pastoring in Columbus, MT, and served five congregations over their 43 years of pastoral ministry, including Columbus, Shelby, Glasgow, Havre, and Helena. After retiring from full time ministry in 2007, they served several churches as interim pastors in Montana and two years pastoring RV chapels in Yuma, AZ.
In 2015, Ken and Patricia (Braun) Ross were married in Yuma, AZ, where they have continued the RV chapel ministry through April, 2021, at Gila Mountain RV Resort and Shangri La RV Chapels. Ken also served as chapel minister for Glacier Bible Camp Sunday night service for the past two summers.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Esther Ross and his first wife Marilyn.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Ross, of Helena, MT; two daughters, Jeanine Conway (Nick), of Converse, TX; grandchildren Kyle Conway, of Elk River, MN, and Michaela Conway of Converse, TX; Denise Walker (Tony), of Houston, TX; grandchildren Carolyn Townsend of Fayetteville, AR; Eastman (Sonny) Townsend of Houston, TX; Stepson Michael Houghton (Wendy), grandchildren Elizabeth, Killian and Ted Houghton of Belgrade, MT; and grandson Seth Houghton of Helena, MT. He is also survived by his three siblings: Betty Nolan, sister, Kalispell; brother Pastor Robert (Roberta) Ross, Kalispell; sister Norma (Lowell) Frederick of Twin Lakes, Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, August 27th at Helena First Assembly, 2210 Dodge Street, Helena. Interment and public graveside service will be 2:30 pm on August 28th at Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, MT.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday August 27, 2021
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:30 p.m.
Saturday August 28, 2021
Conrad Memorial Cemetery
2210 Dodve Ave
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Friday August 27, 2021
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday August 27, 2021
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:30 p.m.
Saturday August 28, 2021
Conrad Memorial Cemetery
2210 Dodve Ave
Kalispell, Montana 59901
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John & Cherie Dahl says
Ken was one of our Pastors and a good friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to Pat and the family 🙏
Linda Lode says
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss Pat. You will miss Ken, but your love of the Lord will sustain you. Linda Lode
Diana Tavary says
Pastor Ken was a kind soul and was very supportive when Pastor Norm and many others birthed a new work across town. Now his journey is over and heading into a new one. Blessings Di Tavary
Darrell Losing says
My first meeting with Ken Ross was at Montana Network events dating back to 1968 when we accepted the church at Scobey. On one of our first meetings in the state, Ken and Marilyn invited us to join them after a meeting for lunch. I remember how gracious this couple was.
Through the years we connected, we pastored near to each other for awhile, we served on District projects and the Presbytery. Our children went on mission’s trips together and we would see each other at camps. Pastor Ken was a faithful servant of the Lord. He developed great pastoral skills of grace, kindness and was a diligent student of the Word of God. I loved discussing Biblical topics with him. In his devotions he read The Expositors Bible Commentary, always enriching his life with the Eternal Word of God.
The years have gone by far too rapidly and we hadn’t seen each other often enough the last 20 years. But we did enjoy the times at Medora and Yuma we had with them. Thank you Pat for coming into Ken’s life in his darkest hour and sharing in his ministry. You were a shining light for him in his final years. You did ministry together well.
Our thoughts and prayers go to you Pat and your family and to Jeanine & Denise and your families. What a great legacy you have.
Our lives have been enriched because of Pastor Ken Ross.
Your friends in the ministry,
Darrell (& Karen) Losing
Joe Warren says
I am so sorry to hear about Pastor Ross. He was our pastor in Havre and again in Helena. He was truly a man of God and set an example for others to follow. I will definitely miss him.
Ruth Stelter says
I am so sorry to lose Pastor Ken, and so glad our paths crossed. Blessings to you Pat, see all of you in Heaven.
Dano Stinson says
It is so sad to lose such a fine soul, but so telling of Ken that he was lost while trying to reach out to others as he followed his calling. We have lost the presence of a wonderful man and a fine example of how humans should treat each other. While we here mourn your loss, I am certain that the Lord has welcomed you into his kingdom with open arms! Clear tracks and green signals, Ken!!
Rebecca Warren says
I am very sorry that you lost your father, grandfather, and husband. Grief is real no matter how u lose a person. Please know I am in prayer for all. Thanku for being a pastor to my kids and I for many years. I so enjoyed the living Christmas trees and singing with everyone and helping get the lights ready. Thanku Becky
Jim & Vickie Flanigan says
Pat, so sorry for your loss, I didn’t know Ken but I’m positive the world was a better place with him here. Ken will definitely make heaven an awesome place. Prayers 🙏 Pat 🥺🤩
Debra Guffey says
Pastor Ross was always so encouraging and supportive of the Signing Ministry God called me to in 1999. He mentored me in his kind, gental, calm way and will always have a special place in my heart. My sincere condolences go out to you Pat and family. We love you and carry you in prayer. I am a phone call away if I can do anything you help you…..
Steve Schmidt says
Jeannine and Denise, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He was a very special man to our family. God be with you during this time.
Jim and Charlene Castro says
We were very sorry to read of Ken’s passing. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
He was our neighbor for several years and it was a privilege to know him.
Art McCafferty says
Pastor Ken married us in 1993 at Canyon Ferry Lake Park on a beautiful spring day. We loved Pastor Ken and Marilyn. So glad the Lord gave Pat to Ken after Marilyn’s passing. After all these years, I still remember some of Pastor Ken’s sermons! He had quite a gift for piercing your heart with God’s Word. We were so shocked to see that God had taken Ken while he was still strong and vigorous. The world has lost a kind and gentle servant of the Lord, but now he is waiting for the rest of us, those who love and live for Jesus! May God comfort you, Pat. Art & Connie McCafferty
brian townsend says
Ken was the best father in-law I could ever have been blessed with. In fact Ken and Marilyn were the best ever, in-laws. Ken was patient, kind and funny. He made me laugh. I pray for peace and comfort for his family. I miss them dearly.
Skip & Judy Owings says
Dear Pat and family ~ What a privilege it was to know Ken. He was an inspiration each time we saw him and his “pastor’s heart” so evident in the way he lived. Our hearts go out especially to you, his loved ones, in this difficult time of saying “so long for now”. We will miss him too. May God wrap you in His comfort and peace, just when you need it most. With our love and prayers ~
Darlene Dumdie says
So sorry to hear Rev. Voss passed away my thoughts go out to Pat & Voss family
Will miss having him as our pastor at Shangri-La RV Resort
Darlene Dumdie says
Sorry it should say Rev Ross not Voss
Virginia Bitterman says
Ken was my pastor in Havre and loved his kind and gentle spirit and being genuine in his feelings and life.heaven has gained a wonderful follower and with a heart of gold.
Nancy Schmauch says
Dear Pat: We were shocked and saddened to hear about Ken. We have been recalling some of the time we spent with him and how much we enjoyed his company. He was a special man who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone who needed it. We enjoyed our evening card games with you and remember how tickled Ken would get when he got a “sweep”. We consider ourselves blessed to call both of you our friends. May all your good memories give you comfort at this difficult time. Mike & Nancy Schmauch