Rocky Ross

Rocky Ross, 76, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at his home in Howe, Idaho.

Driving down a rocky road one night, Ma Robertson told Lorraine “If this baby is a boy, you’re naming him Rocky like this road. Later that night on September 15, 1949, Rocky Kane Ross was born to Loyal and Lorraine (Robertson) Ross in Jackson, Wyoming. He grew up surrounded by many friends and family on Hog Island. He, his sister, brothers, and many cousins had many adventures and lived life to the fullest. He would ride around on his horse and visit people, then make his way back to Grandma’s house. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1968. He stayed in Jackson and worked for his Grandma Feo on her ranch.

It was in Jackson, through his sister, Nickie, that he met the love of his life with beautiful red hair, Carol Coverston. They were married on June 19, 1971, and made their first home right there in Jackson, where Carol worked in town and Rocky continued to work for his Grandma Feo and fed the elk on Horse Creek. Grandma Feo’s is where most memories were created, they laughed, visited, drank coffee and hung out with all of the cousins and friends. After seven years of trying, they were finally blessed with a baby boy in May of 1978, Jacob Dell. 2 years later in January of 1980, that they were blessed again but this time with a baby girl, Sarah Lorraine.

Shortly after Sarah was born, they moved and made their home in Grover, Wyoming, there Rocky continued to work as a rancher. He farmed and ran cattle. Then in 1986, Rocky decided it was time for a change. They looked at a lot of places, before deciding on a nice little ranch in Howe, Idaho, in the Little Lost River Valley. His in-laws went and looked at the place first and told Carol, “Don’t take him up there unless you want to live there because he will love it!” They were right, Rocky knew it was where he wanted to ranch and raise his family the moment he saw it, and the roots of the Diamond Mill Iron Ranch were established.

Rocky was the very definition of a cowboy. From a young age, he was known for the natural way he could handle and train horses. He had a special way with them and trained many over the years with patience, skill, and understanding. He was also an exceptional cattleman, always willing to lend a hand to friends and family by helping preg-test cattle and sharing his knowledge whenever it was needed. Some of Rocky’s greatest joys were driving around checking on his cattle, riding through his range, looking over his fields, and taking in the life he had worked so hard to build. Ranching was more than a livelihood to him — it was who he was.

But beyond his work ethic, Rocky will be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and a gift for making everyone in the room laugh. His stories, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality left lasting memories wherever he went. Out of all the things people will remember most, it may be his unmistakable laugh — loud, genuine, and full of life — a laugh that could be heard for miles and one that those who loved him will never forget.

However, Papa’s greatest gift in life was his grandkids — Alexis, Ethan, George, and Riley. Most kids lovingly called him “Papa,” a name that became synonymous with comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. From the first grandchild Papa stepped up to the role of “World’s Best Papa” as if he had been born for it. One of the memories the grandkids loved most was begging Papa to take off his belt and chase them around while snapping it as well as being chased with the 4-wheeler like they were cattle, filling the house and yard with laughter. He loved playing with them just as much as they loved being with him. The moment Calli and Brody joined the family; they quickly became a part of that elite bunch. To his grandkids, Papa was more than a grandpa — he was their hero, and the love he gave them will stay in their hearts forever.

After having a couple cups of coffee and telling Jake what he thought needed to be done for the day, Rocky passed away at his home on May 5, 2026, in Howe, Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Jacob (Crystal) Ross of Howe; his daughter, Sarah (Chris) Smith, Arco; a brother Lane(Diane) Ross, a sister, Nickie Nowlin, and younger brother, Brit Ross, all of Jackson, Wyoming; his grandchildren, Alexis Ross, Ethan Smith, George (Calli Broderick) Ross, Brody Westergard, and Riley Smith and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Lorraine, his grandparents George and Feo Robertson, his in-laws, Don and Billie Phillips, and brothers-in-law, Joe Coverston, Richie Coverston, and Jim Nowlin.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Howe LDS Church Building, 1526 E. Highway 33, Howe, ID. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Howe Cemetery under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.