Obituary of Richard Ross

Richard Earl Ross passed away October 21, 2016 in Lake Havasu City with his wife and family by his side.Richard was born July 3, 1938 in Devils Lake, ND to parents of Scandinavian heritage, Earl F. Ross and Helma Kirkeby. In the early 40's the family, which now included his sister, Myrna, moved to Everett, WA. While in high school, Richard went to work for F.W. Woolworth Co. His employment continued and while in college he was promoted to manager of a Woolworth store in Oregon. Marriage to Dee Moore,of which Christopher T., and Debra were born of this union. He was in management positions in the Western District for Woolworths for several yearsuntil an opportunity and career change. Mobile home manufacturing in Olympia, WA now became part of his resume. During the Alaska pipeline, many of these homes were shipped by barge to Alaska to fill the housing shortage. After his divorce, he met Clairdell Davidson Smith at a business meeting. He waited a month before he called and invited her to dinner. During the dinner, he asked her to dance, and they continued to dance for the rest of his life. The marriage in 1984 also gave him two step children, Brian B. Smith and Shannon D. Smith. Richard and Clairdell owned a construction company, building both commercial and residential properties. They also built, owned and operated a sizable mini storage in Tumwater, WA.Richard has always been active in the community. When he lived in the Olympia, WA area he served as president of Kiwanis, Rotary and the Tumwater Chamber of Commerce. Having enough of the rain and a visit to Lake Havasu in 1989, sealed the deal. They moved to Lake Havasu in 1994 and built their home. Upon arrival in Lake Havasu City, he joined the Elks Lodge #2399. He has been the Treasurer for many years.Richard served as a Mohave County Sheriff Boating Officer, donating his time on weekends and holidays patrolling the lake. Richard has served on several city committees as well as overseeing the construction of the Daughters of American Revolution Historical monument at Site Six.In his later years, Richard was honored to serve on the Havasu Municipal Court as Judge Pro-tem. He is survived by his wife, Clairdell, sons Christopher T. Ross (Stacie)of Albuquerque, NM and Brian B. Smith (Valerie) of Lake Havasu City, daughter Debra Babcock of MT, grandsons Cody A. Smith (Sarah) Sioux Falls, SD, Zachary H. Smith, Redmond, OR, granddaughters Haley M. Wilson (Josh) of Orange City, IA, Brenna C. Ross of Albuquerque, NM and Amanda Babcock of MT. And his doggies Oreo and Annie. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Helma Ross and his daughter Shannon Smith. A memorial service will be held in Lake Havasu City at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, Nov. 5th. An Elks Lodge of Sorrow will end the service at the church. Reception to follow. Donations may be made to the Western Arizona Humane Society in Lake Havasu City. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the Ross family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.