Ross J. Watson
Ross Joseph Watson, 90, Fargo, ND, died Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND.
Ross (Jack) was born on July 22, 1928 to Charles and Hettie Watson. Ross grew up on the family farm in Maxbass, ND with his four siblings, Dorothy, Charles Jr., Ronnie and Connie. He graduated from Maxbass High School in 1946 where he excelled in athletics.
Ross continued his studies at the Gayle Institute in Minneapolis focusing on telegraphy. He began his career working for The Great Northern Railroad in Minneapolis, MN.
He returned to Maxbass after receiving his draft letter to the US Army. He married the love of his life Ardeth Ione Bergeth on October 17, 1950. Ross reported to the US Army at Camp Polk in Louisiana for basic training. He served his country proudly in the Korean Conflict (War) as a forward observer from 1950-52. Ross was awarded several medals including The Bronze Star with Valor for service. He returned from Korea in 1952 to Ardeth and his first born son Michael. The family soon grew to include Tom, Jeff, Tim, Kerri and Annette. The family soon moved to Towner, ND where he continued to work for the Great Northern Railroad and later started his own insurance agency. While in Towner he began his banking career with Pioneer state Bank. His banking career continued at First State Bank in New Rockford ND and for 20 years he served as President. Ross was very active in civic affairs and community development in New Rockford. He was an active member of the American Legion and served as a commander. Ross and Ardeth later moved to Fargo, ND where he worked for Corwin Auto and Dawson Insurance before retirement.
Ross had many loves which included spending time with his family on his horse and cattle ranch near Ft Totten ND, and attending any sporting activity his children and grandchildren were a part of. After retirement Ross found his greatest joy spending time with family at his cabin on Rose Lake MN where many unforgettable memories were made. He developed a great love and skill for wood carving. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and the feeling was mutual. But his greatest love was the 68 years he spent with his beloved wife Ardeth.
Ross grew to love his home at Bethany on 42nd and The Watson family would like to thank them for the wonderful care he received.
Ross is survived by his wife, Ardeth, children, Tom, Grand Forks, ND; Jeff (Wanda) Byron, MN; Tim (Gwen) San Tan Valley, AZ; Annette (Brian) Allmaras, Powell, OH, daughter-in-law, Barbara Watson, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Erik (Kari), Sara (Joe) Curry, Chris, Zach (Lori) and Jessica Watson; Matt and Nate (Jessie) Watson – Nikki (Tyler) Strand; Taylor Watson; Jake Allmaras, Keaton Allmaras, Noah Allmaras, and Annalei Allmaras. Great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ava & Lauren Watson, Aldwynn Curry, Cameron Gillespie, Olivia & Kate Watson, Peighten, Cambrie, Addison, Max & Maddox Watson; Adalynn Watson, Leyton & Wells Watson, and Brecken Strand. Siblings, Ronnie Watson, Charles (Junior) Watson, and Connie (Frank) Sayers.
Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hettie Watson, children, Michael and Kerri. Sister, Dorothie Hogan.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Bethany on 42nd Chapel at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will be at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo, ND. To visit our online guestbook go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
Knew Ross very well when he had the Bank of New Rockford. Loved spending time with him there in the 1970’s. I will always have fond memories of my relationship with Ross. Have Peace now Ross, I will miss you but will ALWAYS remember you.
Sorry for your loss of Ross. Thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayer to the Watson Family.
We had some great times together.
The Watson Family,
I have a lot of fond memories growing up around the whole Watson family. Their was a lot of great experiences and growing up during that time, never to be forgotten. Ross gave me my first internship in banking one summer, of which I greatly appreciated. If not for that time, I possibly would not of had a career in banking.
my thoughts and prayers are with the Watson family.
Very sorry for your loss. Ross seems like he was a great man and I wish I had the opportunity to have met him. As someone once told me when my father passed, it might be time for his dynasty to end, but it’s time for his legacy to begin. His legacy is his family, and a great legacy it is.
Tom and family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Ross. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Gene and Peggy Langley
I first met Ross when running against Tim in high school track in New Rockford. Years later we reacquainted on Rose Lake. It was there I really got to know Ross. I cherish the visits we had talking about sports, history, work, the military, family, life, and God. Ross had a fierce love of country, family, and God and was willing to share his passion for all these things. He especially had a deep love for his wife Ardeth, his children, their spouses, and grandchildren. He was very proud of them all and felt great pride when they succeeded and their pain when they struggled. Ross Watson is a blessing in my life and the lives of many. Rest in peace my friend.
Our sincerest condolences to Ardeth and family. Mom (now 102),remembers the enjoyment of playing cards and socializing with Ross and Ardeth in NR. I remember the fun of playing on several softball teams sponsored by the bank and of coaching Mike, Jeff, Tom and Tim in baseball. Ross was such a community booster.
Sending our belated sympathy to Ross’s family. Hoping special memories sustain you at this difficult time.
My condolences to the Watson family. June was dairy month and almost every year Ross came out to our farm and talked to my dad and mom. Ross cared about my family.