Obituary: Ross Watson

Ross Joseph Watson, 90, Fargo, N.D., died Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Bethany Retirement Living on 42nd street in Fargo.

Ross (Jack) was born on July 22, 1928 to Charles and Hettie Watson. Ross grew up on the family farm in Maxbass, N.D. 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.

He returned to Maxbass after receiving his draft letter to the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life Ardeth Ione Bergeth on Oct. 17, 1950. Ross reported to the U.S. 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, N.D. 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, N.D. 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 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, N.D., 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, Minn., 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, Minn .; Tim (Gwen) San Tan Valley, Ariz .; Annette (Brian) Allmaras, Powell, Ohio, daughter-in-law, Barbara Watson, Grand Forks, N.D .; 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 and Lauren Watson, Aldwynn Curry, Cameron Gillespie, Olivia and Kate Watson, Peighten, Cambrie, Addison, Max and Maddox Watson; Adalynn Watson, Leyton and 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 was held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Bethany on 42nd Chapel at 1 p.m., visitation was 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, N.D. To visit our online guestbook go to http://www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.