Ross Harris Wilson, 82, died peacefully in his sleep Aug. 8, 2008. Ross is survived by his wife of 25 years, Hanna Louise Wilson, of Cowley; daughters Louise Richardson of Pennsylvania, and Maureen Hatfield of Tinino, Wash.; sons Tom and James Wilson of Chehalis, Wash.; Ben Wilson of Charlo, Mont., Karl Wilson of Billings, Mont., and Stuart Wilson of Tremont, Utah; 37 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Ralph was born near Talmage, Utah, on Dec. 21, 1926. He was second oldest of eight children. Other surviving family members are brother Jay Wilson of Great Falls and sisters Pearl McKowen, Lorna Thompson, Lori Harper, and Marylou Smith of Utah. He was preceded in death by his wife Merla Lee Lieshman Wilson, daughter Bonnie Harris, son-in-law Dwayne Harris and grandsons Michael and David Harris.
Ross was drafted into World War II at 18 years of age and was proud of the U.S. He served in Japan before and after its surrender.
Ross has always been distinguished as an accomplished worker. He was an accomplished superintendent over the wheel system at the mine in Centralia, Wash., and the open pit mines in Illinois. He worked for Major Construction Co. where he helped build nine dams from Manitoba to Wyoming including the Yellowtail Dam. He worked as a private contractor and had other business ventures. He worked hard and enjoyed new challenges.
His ancestors were among the first members of the Latter-day Saints movement. Ross is a direct descendent of early church leaders and missionaries.
He will be long remembered as a good provider, a loving husband and father and grandfather.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at 1 p.m. in Talmage, Utah.