John Howard Ross

John Ross passed away peacefully at his home in Spring Creek, Nevada, on July 2, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in Sacramento, California, to Alex and Catherine Ross, John was the youngest of five children and grew up on the family ranch near Lincoln, California.

In April 1961, John married his high school sweetheart, Joan "Joanie" Welch. Together they built their home and started a family in the Reno-Carson City area.

Before beginning his long and impactful career in the Nevada Fire Service, John worked as a door-to-door milk delivery man. His firefighting career began in 1967 with the Carson City Fire Department. In 1970, he joined the Nevada Division of Forestry as the Forest Patrolman at Bowers Station, working alongside the Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Departments.

John's leadership led to his promotion in 1974 to Western Regional Fire Management Officer and later to Western Regional Forester. In 1981, he moved to Elko to serve as the Northern Regional Forester.

Throughout his career, John played a critical role in acquiring and converting federal excess property into functional fire apparatus for rural communities and was instrumental in developing volunteer fire departments in Elko, Eureka, Lander, and White Pine counties. He also helped establish operational standards for conservation camps in northern Nevada.

John and Joanie deeply loved Nevada's Northern Region-the wide-open landscapes, beautiful mountain ranges, and favorite camping spots like Gold Creek, Sunflower Flats, Pole Creek, Winecup, and Jarbidge. John treasured the solitude, panoramic views, and family time in the remote wilderness of Northeastern Elko County.

After retiring, John started a potable water service business, supporting large fire kitchens and wash facilities across the western United States.

He found joy in scouting, camping, four-wheeling, fishing with his family, and attending his grandchildren's rodeos, barrel races, and roping events-always with his camera in hand.

John was known as a great man and a strong leader. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he lived a life defined by endurance, humility, positivity, and a deep love for both family and the outdoors. His professional dedication and personal kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

John is survived by his children: son John Ross Jr. (Nonie) of Carson City, NV; daughters Jackie Welks (Mike) of Elko, NV, and Joanie Pyron (Robert) of Spring Creek, NV. He leaves behind grandchildren: Jodi Weston, Justin Rhine, Jessie Ross, Jason Weston, Ciara Clark, Jacob Weston, and Joseph Naney; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and his sister Saunie McGregor of Redding, California.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan Ross; parents Alex and Catherine Ross; brother Jim Ross; and sisters Judy Norum and Carol Calvert.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Greater Life Church, 685 Juniper Street, Elko, NV 89801. Light refreshments will be served following the service. All who knew and loved John are welcome to attend, celebrate his life, and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in John's honor.