Donald Alphonse Ross, 75, of Priest River, went home to his Lord early Monday morning, July 1, 2013, surrounded by those who loved him. His wife of 10 years, Shirley Ross, held his hand as he peacefully slipped away after a two-year bout with cancer. “Mom” Shirley was his love, playmate, fishing partner, helper, best friend and finally, his caregiver. As a family we thank the Lord for the blessing she was to our “Dad” and “Papa Don.” Dad often said she was the “best 10 years of his life.”

In addition to his beautiful wife, at home, he leaves three children from his first marriage: Jim (Ellen) Ross of Rathdrum, Monica (Gerald) Kalar of Spirit Lake and Jay (Tamara) Ross of Athol. Also cherished by him were the Smith boys, seven sons brought to him by Shirley from her marriage to Thomas Smith, deceased. They are Keith (Sondra) of Spirit Lake, Todd (Shelly) of Bonners Ferry, Shane (Stephanie) of Rathdrum, Jason (Rebekah) of Hood River, Ore., Travis (Julie) of Moyie Springs, Chad (Tara) and Scott (Becky), both of Coeur d’Alene.

Papa Don had 36 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was very involved in the lives of his extended family and leaves behind many, many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He loved all of you very much.

Don was born fourth child to what became a very large family in Keuterville on March 26, 1938. His parents, Hubert J. (Coop) Ross and Helen M. (Simon) Ross added 14 children in all to their Camas Prairie ranch.

Don is survived by four sisters and three brothers: Anna Marie (Cleo, deceased) Ahlers of Priest River, Bob (Donna) of Keuterville, Bill (Marie) of St. Maries, Linda (Mike) Key of Grangeville, Judy (Dave (deceased), Lloyd) Klapprich-Uhlenkott of Cottonwood, John (Janie) of Fernwood and Sandy (Terry) Halbert of Cottonwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and a sister: Harold (Chris), Gerald, Patricia Nuxoll Ross, Marvin (Barbara), Tim and Tom.

Don graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1956. He served in the Air Force four years as a jet engine mechanic then to be employed by Boeing in the same capacity. After leaving Boeing, he worked in the forestry industry and finally, as a master craftsman until his death. His great joys in life were his family, hunting, fishing and fixing things. He was a MASTER at all.

A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 East Hayden Ave., Hayden, with a praying of the Rosary to follow.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Chapel in Spirit Lake. A potluck reception to follow will be hosted by his Goddaughter, Debbie Ahlers (946-3884), at the Edgemere Grange Hall, 3273 Bandy Road, Priest River.

Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Donald’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.