Bruce Richard Ross, 79, of Stevensville, Montana, passed away on Feb. 20, 2021, following a 26-month battle with cancer.

He was born in Newark, New Jersey on Dec. 20, 1941. He received a 2-year degree in forestry from Paul Smith College in 1963. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served on the first nuclear attack submarine, the Robert E. Lee for 3 years and then 3 years in reserves.

He was married to Rea Ross on Dec. 10, 1972, they were married for 48 years. He worked for Weyerhaeuser Company for 27 years, retiring from his position as Import and Export Coordinator in 1997.

In Montana he worked for over 20 years in two nurseries: Earth & Wood and Empire.

He belonged to Y Indian Guides with Michael and the Lions Club in Washington. He loved card games, baseball; baseball and other sports cards, and comics.

He is survived by his wife and stepson Michael, Rea’s brother Sam who he supported from the time he was 10, a brother Barry Ross of Vacaville, California, nephew Maurice of Vacaville, California; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

There will be a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at the American Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville with Chaplain David Andrew officiating. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.