Charles Ross Keith age 90 of Miles City died Saturday, July 26, 2014 at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City.
Ross Keith was born with no clothes on to Charles and Lizzie Keith on August 31, 1923 in Baker, MT. Ross was raised in the Chalk Buttes area in Carter County and graduated from Carter County High School in Ekalaka in 1941.
Ross was a US Marine Corp veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was wounded in action while serving with the 4th Marine Division on Iwo Jima. Ross was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict and participated in combat operations on the Korean Peninsula.
In 1954 Ross was medically transferred from a Naval Hospital in California to the Miles City VA Hospital where he met and married his nurse Patricia Beil. Later that year, Ross was medically retired from the Marine Corp. After a brief stay in Ekalaka, Ross and Pat moved to Oklahoma where Ross learned the laundry and dry cleaning vocation. In 1957, they moved back to Ekalaka where they owned and operated Keith Kleaners, a dry cleaning and laundromat service. While continuing to own and operate Keith Kleaners, Ross found additional work to care for his growing family. In January 1959, Ross went to Alaska and worked as a D 8 Cat operator on the Alaska Oil Pipeline. Later that fall, Ross returned to work on a drilling rig near Mill Iron, MT. Ross tended bar in Ekalaka, Baker, and Wibaux during the evenings and worked at the dry cleaners during the day. In 1964, Ross began a 30 year career hauling propane and servicing furnaces for W&S Propane (formerly Cal Gas) in Ekalaka. Ross sold the laundromat in 1978. Helping his neighbors and customers was very important to Ross as he answered every call in the middle of the night or during holidays to fill an empty tank, light a furnace pilot, or service and repair a furnace or heater. Although he did not own W&S Propane, most people believed he did by not only the late night and holiday sacrifices he made, but also the way he acted towards and treated all of his customers.
Community pride and involvement was an important part of Ross’s life, as he served on numerous boards and committees. In addition to being a life long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, Ross fondly recalls his time as a two term Mayor of Ekalaka, original Scout Master for the local Boy Scouts of America, long time library board member, and long time ambulance driver for Dahl Memorial Hospital.
Ross is survived by his six children, Kristen (Wayne Geisen) Keith of Toledo, OH, Kent (Emily) Keith of Fairfax, VA, Korey (Greg Nichols) Keith of Glendive, Kara (Mel) Mader of Miles City, Kurt Keith of Miles City and KC (Lauri) Keith also of Miles City. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Chase (Shantel), Zac (Gina), Kelcey (Ray), Charli, Max, Alexia, JT, Raelyn, Cameron, Brett, KD, and Ryan; and 3 Great Grandchildren Brayden, Mason, and Cadyn. Ross is also survived by his older sister Peggy Thrailkill of Sea Ranch, CA, numerous nephews and nieces, and his special cousin Lois Karn of Spearfish, SD.
Ross was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Pat Keith, his parents, brother Bill Keith, and his special cousins Kent (Cap) Keith and Marjorie Keith Curry.
The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care provided by the staff of the VA Nursing Home in Miles City. Their loving and affectionate care made Ross’s last months both positive and peaceful.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post # 1579. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the library of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 1, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 2, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday August 2, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday August 1, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 2, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday August 2, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Jan Munroe says
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dad and grandfather. I am sure he is at peace and with this beloved wife. It is always so hard to have them leave us.
Whitney Corneliusen says
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers….for the little time I have known Ross he touched my heart the very first time I met him….not only would he feed me endless amounts of turtles but he also would make my shift at the VA 100 times better when I stepped foot into his room….I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to have met such a wonderful family!! Every day I worked we would read our horoscopes…he will be greatly missed!!!
Thoughts, Love and Prayers!!!
Whit
Kaylee Kleinsasser says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Keith from the VA. He was always so kind and gentle. He was a true family man and glowed everytime he would tell stories of his loved ones. May your memories provide you peace and comfort during this time. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Mary Grube says
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Bill, Anne, Mary and Margaret (Cleveland's) says
Ross was such a special man in our lives as we were growing up. I would love to listen to them tell their stories and each time it was told they thought it was funnier than before. Miss seeing them slap their leg after their big stories. He will be missed but you have so many memories to hold on to and smile about. God Bless your family.
Les and Karen Kreitel says
Thoughts and prayers for Ross’s family. I’ll never forget our road trip to Torrington to watch Kara play basketball. A history lesson all the way and a lot of fun to boot!
Lucille Chandler says
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. He had a great big smile for everyone and his love of life was evident. He will be missed by all.
Jane Frye says
I will always remember Ross’s love for watching his kids compete while in high school. He was a devoted parent and avid fan of the Bulldogs. I will also remember that smile and his infectious laugh. He and Pat Cleveland always had some good stories to tell. Prayers to all of his family.
Karen (Kreitel) Cossette says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I don’t know that I ever met Mr. Keith, but I knew Kent and KC when they worked on the ranch.
Jerry and Betty Cline says
Jerry has so many great stories of Ross as his boy scout leader. I think he and Pat Cleveland were so good for the youth in Ekalaka. We both so enjoyed our visits with him and are so sorry for your loss.
Summer Kalstrom Humbracht says
Sorry to hear about Ross’s passing. I remember him and my Grandpa Kalstrom sitting together on Main Street.
Linda & Matt says
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts & prayers go out to you, KC & LAURIE & families.
Doreen Waterland says
So very sorry for your loss. He was such a big part of so many young lives in Ekalaka. I know the angels are singing him home.
Connie (Wash) Bowers says
My Thoughts and Prayers and with all of Ross’s Family.
Margie & Art Jacobsen says
I have a smile on my face when I think of Ross, my Mother’s double cousin! He was always so fun to be around and kept everyone grinning. He’s a great influence on everyone. You will miss him and have so many treasured memories.
Art and I send our sympathy.
Ben, Georgina, Ruthann & John Phipps says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you. Thank you for sharing Papa Ross with our children. Ruthie always lights up when she tells us of her visits to see him. We are sending love and prayers to you.
Elaine Buck says
So very sorry for the loss of your dad and granddad. Ross was a very special person he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Tolena says
Thoughts and prayers to the whole family. I truly enjoyed knowing Ross and was always pleasant to visit with him. He and Pat will always be remembered. Hugs to you Kurt!
Love Tolena
Jackie Lamach CNA says
Sincere sympathy in the loss of Ross. I had the pleasure of taking care of him at the V.A. and getting to know him. Very nice person and what a close family you all have been to one another.
Their surly has been a loss to you all as a family and may the days ahead soften that loss as time goes on. Sincere Wishes to you All! God Has A Good One in Ross!!
Kim Stieg Anderson says
To all the Keith family: I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandfather. Deepest sympathies and God bless. He was such a nice man.
Brad and Harriet Carroll says
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, Kara. I think of you often and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
To the Entire Keith Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Keep your memories close.
God Bless
Jerre and Ed Lamb says
So sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. We have many fond memories of Ross delivering propane and sometimes just stopping to have coffee.
Frank and Karen Nies says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terri Lewis carter says
My thoughts & prayers go out to all of Ross’s family, it was a great honor to have known him. He always had the time to stop and visit, tell a story or just be there to listen to you. He will be missed.
Yvonne, Dale Jr., Nancy, Will, & Jaci Horner, Linda, David, Randi, Derick, & Lucas George says
We all were saddened to hear of the loss of your father. May the lord keep his hands on your through this time of sorrow.
Randy & Vicki Fix says
Just wanted you ALL to know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort at this time. Loved your Dad – his smile, his wit, his sense of humor. . . the list goes on and on.
S. Elaine says
To the Keith family,
My deepest condolences over the loss of Ross. He was a wonderful person. Hold tight to your cherished memories. Lean on family and friends for support and look to God’s Word, the Bible, for comfort, peace and strength. At Isaiah 41:10 God gives us the assurance; “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness.” Take comfort. You are not alone. Galatians 1:3; John 5:25,26; Revelation 21:3,4.
Gayle Major Harpster says
Sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. He and Pat were great people. When I got married, I wore a dress that had belonged to Mrs. Woolheiser which had water spots on it really bad. Ross said no problem and did a wonderful job of cleaning and restoring it for me. He always had a smile and kind but teasing word. Sincere sympathy to all of you.
Peggy, John and Byrnace says
Dear Family,
An amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle! We regret that our paths didn’t cross more often, but when they did we were blessed by his hearty laugh, infectious smile and captivating stories of the past. Mom’s eyes would light up every time she would talk to U. Ross on the phone…especially when he would refer to her as his “baby sister”. She thought so much of her brother and loved him dearly. May God fill your hearts with His loving presence and comfort in the days and months ahead.
Our love to all!
Dorothy Armstrong says
I always enjoyed visiting with Ross. God’s blessings to all of you at this difficult time. Your memories are treasures that will last forever. Share them often.
Bernice says
Ross will be missed by all of us. I am glad I got to see him Thursday and I always enjoyed our visits on the telephone catching up. Ross and Pat hold a special place in my heart. We had wonderful times together chasing our kids. Love and hugs to all of my Keith kids and grandkids.
Norton and Jule says
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. May you cherish the special memories and the special father and grandfather he was to each of you. God’s comfort and blessings for the days ahead.
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
Kara and the Ross’s family. Sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prays with you all. (((Big hugs))) and love.
Milton & Janice says
Our sympathy to all of you at the loss of your Father, Grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a big part of the history of Ekalaka for many years, as well as his years of service to his country. With thoughts and prayers!
Garnee Erickson says
My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. I have so many fond memories of both your parents!
Chaplain Steve Rice, VA Miles City says
A man of faith, supported by family and friends, he served God and Country with humility and distinction. He lived gently among us and will be remembered in the Chapel of the VA Tuesday August 5th at 2:00. “Semper Fi”, Ross.
Bill and Cathy Frye says
So sorry to hear about you dad. He was truly one of the good guys! Bill has many fond memories of Boy Scout trips. Love and prayers to all of the family.
Tom Wash says
I owe Ross a great deal. He and Pat Cleveland were responsible for some of my fondest childhood memories. Little League baseball and Boy Scouts were more than just an excuse for boys to be boys. We had great fun and learned a lot of life’s lessons in those years. The trip to Minnesota, the ride in the truck to Yellowstone, a shake at the drive in after every home game (even though we lost a lot of those games). Ross was much more to me than just an adult who gave up a tremendous amount of time for us. He always had advice even much later in my life. My thoughts are with the whole family.
Fran, Gail, Matt, and Emily Sommerfeld says
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and grandpa. He was such a great presence at many of the kids’ activities. What an example and legacy he has left you with! You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and give you comfort.
Duane, Laurie, Anna & Bryan Claypool says
KC, Laurie & all the family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. It was always so fun to see him at the ballgames …whether it be crossing his fingers for good luck when Brett was shooting freethrows or just talking to him afterwords to get his take on the game. He was a great supporter of our traveling team and all the Cowboy/Cowgirl sports. He will surely be missed.
God Bless
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Verna Kreitel says
Sympathy to all of you, kids and grandkids. You have many fond memories of Ross from his long life. Remember the good times!
Jack and Claudine O'Connor says
Our prayers for your family. May God give you comfort and peace.
Anita says
KC and Lauri; Kurt
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
The Quade Kids.... says
Your Dad and ours, having that great visit again…
Sherry Oster says
To Ross’ family- Thinking of and praying for you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sherry O
Ken and Kelo (Thrailkill) Waldorf says
Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. Unfortunately, geography meant that we didn’t see Uncle Ross often, but some memories stand out. One was riding with Ross when he went on a propane delivery after a late snow storm–that was a masterful piece of driving on a very muddy road! Ross made a couple of visits to Sea Ranch and most recently when he stopped to visit Mom. It was always fun to be part of their memory sharing. And how great was it to hear the Marine Corp. Hymn as Ross’ cell phone ring tone! We know wonderful memories will gradually fill in that empty space in your lives.
Darlene Nies Tafoya says
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Your parents left a great legacy with all you smart kids. Both your parents were great folks who were appreciated by many and remembered by all of us who knew them. Appreciate the time you had and pass on the memories to your kids/grandkids.
Kari winkley says
So sad to hear of “grandpas” passing, he was always so full of life and stories. One of my absolute favorites to see out at the Rib and Chop House.