David A. Ross

Lifelong Wyoming resident David “Dave” Ross, 69, of Moorcroft died Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, in Billings, Mont., as a result of an immune disorder.

Mr. Ross was born in 1943 in Gillette. He received his primary education around Gillette and Dayton. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After the service, he returned to Wyoming and worked in a variety of jobs, including ranch hand, roughneck, miner, carpenter, police officer, legal investigator, and science teacher.

He received a biology degree from Sheridan College in 1970. He was president of the Wyoming Police Academy’s graduating class in 1976. As a police officer, he was known for his impartiality and excellence as a trainer. His interest in teaching led him to enroll at Black Hills State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree magna cum laude in 1989. He taught science at Westwood High School in Gillette and started a program for teaching incarcerated juveniles at the Campbell County jail. He believed that continuing their education made them more likely to contribute to society after their release.

Mr. Ross enjoyed fishing, hunting, firearms, antiques, archery, reading fantasy and science fiction, playing computer games and spending time at his cabin in the Big Horn Mountains. He was an expert marksman, a good cook, a storyteller, a talented artist and much more.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cindy Ross of Moorcroft; son Travis Ross of Downers Grove, Ill.; mother Susan Hough of Buffalo; sisters Connie Estes of Anchor Point, Alaska, and Nita Siebert of Sheridan; brothers Richard Williams of Buffalo, Ronnie Williams of Edgewood, N.M., and Perry Ross of Gillette.

He was preceded in death by his father Keith Ross, stepmother Ruth Ross, brother Dempsey Ross, and stepfather Luther Williams.

In accordance with his wishes, his family will spread his ashes in the Big Horn Mountains.

Condolences may be attached to the obituary at www.gillettenewsrecord.com.