Harold Ross

Okie passed away March 24, 2015, at the family home of Kellogg. He was born June 7, 1943, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Okie was raised by his grandparents, Bob and Leslie in Atoka, Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1960, at the age of seventeen. Upon discharge in 1964, Okie began his career in the tunneling and mining industry.

Okie’s first job was at the American River Project in Northern California, which was part of the California Aqueduct Scheme. In 1965, he ventured to the San Francisco Bay Area, when he worked on the Broadway Road Tunnel and eventually the Berkley Hills Tunnel, for the Bay Area Rapid Transit. In 1966, Okie traveled to Grass Valley, California, to work on the Bullard’s Bar Dam and the Yuba River Transfer Tunnel. Leaving Grass Valley, he pursued his career into Southern California’s Los Angeles Basin, where he worked on more of the aqueduct tunnels. In 1970, Okie moved to Detroit, Michigan to work on one of the few sewer and water tunnels being built at the time. From there, he headed farther east to Washington, DC to work on the WMATA Subway Project. After a couple of years, he returned to the West and settled in Gallup, New Mexico, working in the Uranium Mines, while learning the Silversmith trade in his leisure time. In 1980, Okie moved north to Idaho working near Salmon; from there he came to the Silver Valley to sink the Silver Shaft in Mullan. He headed farther north to Alaska; Okie started and managed the Green’s Creek project, plus the Snettisham project in Juneau, Alaska. Returning to the Silver Valley, Okie hired on with Fausett Mining and Development, where he demonstrated his experience, knowledge and expertise of underground construction and mining until his health forced him to retire.

Okie married Sandy Williams on June 7, 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Okie loved and enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all playing golf with his wife Sandy and his friends. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners and most importantly a believer in the Lord. If there is a “Miner’s Heaven”, no doubt you are there with old friends! We will miss you Okie and we thank you for showing us what strength and courage truly is. He fought a long battle with cancer, but he fought it as hard as any individual could. With the same attitude he carried in mining and life, he could and would whip it! You fought your last fight well and we are honored to have had you as our friend. During the cycle of life, we accumulate many experiences and riches, however the happiest and saddest are the memories we have of each other…you were our friend, one of the best!!

Okie is survived by his best friend and beloved wife Sandy Ross of the family home of Kellogg, Idaho; three children Mike (Heather) Mangini of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Anna (Don) Beach of Kellogg and Steve and (Jemma) Sanderson of Kellogg; six grandchildren Dustin, Johnathon, Donald, Andrew, Owen and Isabella; he is also survived by life-long friends Mike and Sue Hall. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, two brothers Bob Ross and Lindy Shumard and one sister Kay Swafford.

Cremation will be held and upon Okie’s request, no services will be held.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Vince and Billie Jo Peterson, for their invaluable help and support during Okie’s illness.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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