Ross Ridley Denson, Powder River County rancher and lifelong resident of the community, passed away peacefully at the Powder River Manor on October 9, 2022. Ross, the oldest son of Alex and Susie (Borchgrevink) Denson, was born on March 20, 1928, in Deadwood, South Dakota.
He spent his early years on the family ranch at Ranch Creek. In 1941 they moved to the ranch on the Powder River. He attended grade school at the Ranch Creek School and graduated from Broadus High School in 1946. In 1977 Ross and his brother Lex moved to a ranch on Otter Creek. Ultimately Ross and Lex separated the ranch operation, and Ross and Faye operated the ranch with their son Buckshot, until moving to the Powder River Manor in 2021.
On February 1, 1947, Ross married his high school sweetheart Faye Hough, and they raised their three children, Doug, Barb, and Buckshot on the Powder River. Ross was extremely proud of his family and generously invested his time to help his grandkids and great grandkids experience ranch life. His life was also enriched by his strong connections to his friends and neighbors. He looked forward to trading work with his neighbors and team roping in the evenings and on weekends. Ross was a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than seventy years. He served as Worshipful Master in 1962. He especially enjoyed visiting with friends over a cup of coffee usually accompanied by Faye’s chocolate chip cookies.
Any conversation concerning Ross started and ended with ranching. It was what Ross was born to do and happiness for Ross was a day spent moving cows on horseback, swathing hay, and making sure that his cattle were well taken care of in the winter. He took pride in developing his cattle herd and would want to be remembered first and foremost as a stockman.
The family is appreciative of the care Ross received from the staff at the Powder River Manor and of the many friends and relatives who called and visited Ross during his stay there.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents Alex and Susie Denson and his brother Lex and sister-in-law Pearl Denson.
He is survived by his wife Faye of Broadus, brother Dan (Barbara) Denson of Broadus, son Doug (Janice) Denson of Twin Bridges, daughter Barb (Tom) Holzer of Issaquah, WA, son Buckshot Denson (Karen Foulger) of Ashland, grandsons Matt (Lindsey) Holzer of Alexandria, VA, Eric (Ina) Holzer of Shoreline, WA, granddaughter Abby (Sean) Pigott of Helena, and six great grandchildren.
Services will be held at a later date.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
So sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. Chris and I send our condolences to all the family. May God bless and keep you.
Carol L Hanrahan says
My condolences to Faye and all of Ross’ family during this difficult time of Ross’ passing. Heaven gained a great guy, a friend to everyone. His daughter, Barb, was a friend of mine during our school years.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Sylvia Zimmer says
So sorry for the loss of such a great man.. he will definitely be missed!
Larry and Blondie Woolston says
Faye and Family,we are so sorry for your loss of Ross. He will be missed
Vern and Andrea Rice says
Our condolences to Faye and all of the Denson family. Ross will be missed, prayers to all.
Patricia Franklin says
Dear Denison family, so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of Ross,the teasing and my many nicknames riding with him to the Edwards School! He is gone but not forgotten.
Hannah Higgins says
Denson family, so sorry for your loss. I will miss hearing Ross’ voice calling me “shorty” and him talking about Sugar Run.
Carl and Joyce Camper says
Faye and family,
Carl and I are so sorry to hear about Ross. I always enjoyed the visits with Ross and you. You made such a great couple. If there is anything that we can do, please let us know.
Bonnie Sprague says
Faye and Denson family,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort in this loss.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
So sorry for the loss of Ross. I met Ross when i worked for Lawrence Pemberton in 1965 and 1966 Ross always had time to visit. He was a great man. Rest In Peace Ross.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Teresa Newcomer says
Thanks for being the greatest neighbors anyone could hope for.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER–I DIDN’T REALLY KNOW ROSS BUT I KNOW FAYE–PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL AT THIS SAD TIME.
Lori and Tim Blaede says
So sorry to hear about Ross. He was sure one of the greats! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
We are so sorry Faye, Barb, Doug, Buckshot and families. Ross was a great guy and loved coming to the arena and watching the ropings. He was a huge part of the community and we will miss him. We were so honored to know him.
Deb McClaren says
I’m so sorry to hear about Ross. Loved the visits when I was out quilting with Faye.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Denson family.
Judy Ross says
We are so sorry to hear about Ross. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
John Wayne and Jolene and Judy
ChrIs & Jan Michal says
Faye, Buckshot and Family
What a pleasure it always was to visit, work, and deal with Ross! He was as Honest of a Cowman and Horseman as God ever created. Jan & I still talk about ole Ross. He made us laugh with his infectious smile and mannerisms. We very much look forward to running into Ross and sharing a beer or two where the grass is always green and the water clean and plentiful! God Bless all of you Densons, Chris & Jan Michal
Ron and Connie Watts says
Buckshot
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May God comfort you and your family now and in the days to come.
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Doug & Barb, so sorry for your loss.
Gail Ivestee says
Sorry to here of your loss of Ross . Very special person. He was always there to help in need and always new you wherever you were. He will be deeply missed by all.
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Faye, Buckshot & Family,
So sorry to hear about Ross’s passing. May God comfort & bless you all. Sending our thoughts & prayers to the family. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Ross.
Lance & Chris