Thomas ‘Shaky Jake’ Ross
courtesy photo
Thomas Ross
POLSON – On Friday, July 29, 2016, Thomas “Shaky Jake” Ross of Big Arm passed away at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center after a 4-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Jake was surrounded by family and friends during his final days and was fortunate to be able to express his love and gratitude for his family and many good friends.
Jake was born on July 9, 1945, in Ronan, to Jack and Marie Ross. He attended grade school and high school in Ronan. In 1965 he married Verna Davis and they had one child, Glen “L.B.” Ross. After a beekeeping stint, he started working as a logger in 1964 and worked many long hours teaching his sons the value of hard work. In 1984 he married Fairlynn Jones Hoppie. Fairlynn and Jake were very active in the Frenchtown community where they loved watching their children and grandchildren participate in school activities.
After he retired in 2009, Jake enjoyed his many hobbies including golfing, NASCAR, playing cribbage with his many friends, and enjoying his dog Betsy at their house on Flathead Lake. He loved spending his lake time surrounded by family and friends.
Jake is preceded in death by his parents John and Marie Ross and his siblings John, Dellarie and Frank.
He is survived by his wife of almost 34 years, Fairlynn Ross; his brother, Dick (MaryLou) Ross; and his four children, Andi (Kelly) Swan, Glen “L.B.” (Roxanne) Ross, Curt (Anne) Hoppie, and Chris (Layla) Hoppie. Survivors also include his grandchildren: Hailey and Courtney Swan, Jake and Jadan Ross, Ty and Miah Hoppie, and Peyton and Khalisee Hoppie.
There will be a viewing Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. at Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home in Ronan. Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com.
Jake and his family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph hospital and Partners Hospice for the wonderful care he received. Special thanks go to Dr. Ryan Ross; Joann, RN; Barb, RN; and Kaylee.
In lieu of flowers, Jake asked that memorial contributions be made to Partners in Home Care Hospice, 2687 Palmer Street, Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808, in the name of Jake Ross.
Keep your stumps low!
Arrangements are under the direction of Shrider–Thompson Funeral Home.
