Jewell Roosevelt Ross

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend–Jewell Roosevelt Ross was all of these, but he fulfilled many other roles as well: park ranger, music conductor, and talented performer. Jewell, or Bud, as he was known to friends, was born on November 23, 1934, to Rushie McClure and Jewell Thomas Ross in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. He passed away on September 7, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

Bud grew up in Broken Bow and Wagoner, Oklahoma, with his two older brothers, Bill and Kenneth Ross, a sister, Rosemary Schlomach, and a younger brother, Charles Love. As a boy in Wagoner, he would take his brother Bill’s trombone down to the train tracks and blow the horn at passing trains. This began his lifelong passion for the trombone and music.

Bud excelled in high school; he won awards and received a scholarship for his musical abilities. When Bud graduated, he attended Oklahoma State University and then joined the Army to fight in the Korean War. While he was in San Francisco on leave, he auditioned for the Sixth Army Band, playing a challenging piece on the trombone, earning a position as a trombonist. The War ended, but he remained in the service for two more years, stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. Bud recalled, “After a few months in San Francisco, I bought an old Chevrolet Coupe. On my days off, I would take my trombone and go down to the [Golden Gate] Bridge. I’d hike down under the bridge and take my trombone out of the case.” He soon discovered that when he played the E above middle C on his trombone, the sound would resonate, causing the entire bridge to vibrate.

Bud returned to OSU to continue his education in music. While there, he joined a dance band called the Esquires; they traveled to Yellowstone to perform at a seasonal job in the Mammoth area, playing nightly dances in the Mammoth Rec Hall. Between sets, the musicians bussed dishes. There, Bud met his future wife, Linnea Johansson, a “beautiful Swedish girl with a blond ponytail.” Linnea was his waitress, and he was her perfect busboy. They spent the summer exploring the Park and getting to know each other. Linnea introduced Bud to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they often discussed religion when they were together. Bud returned to OSU in the fall, neither of them knowing what the future would bring. While Bud was in school that year, he continued to investigate the Church and was baptized. Linnea and Bud were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 21, 1959. Linnea has been an anchor in Bud’s life. A true helpmeet, she unconditionally loved, supported, and cared for him: the first person he’d look for each day–the last person he recognized at the end of his life.

Yellowstone and music continued to play significant roles in their lives. The next year, they returned to the Park, and Bud began his career as a ranger. He worked until 1986 in the Mammoth, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, and South Entrance areas. During the school year, Bud and Linnea made their home in Salt Lake City, where Bud taught bands and orchestras at schools including Highland High School and Olympus Junior High School. Bud had a gift for bringing the music out of everyone he taught. A professional musician, he performed with the Utah symphony, the Tabernacle Choir, the Phoenix Dance Band, and at the Valley Music Hall.

Bud and Linnea are the parents of nine children. Each year, they packed up their vehicle, loaded their children along with supplies for the summer, and headed to Yellowstone. What adventures the growing family had! Swimming in ice cold Yellowstone Lake and warming up on the hot sand of Fishing Bridge Beach, hiking forest trails, meeting people from around the world. Yellowstone traditions continued with their children and grandchildren. Three of their sons became rangers, following in their dad’s footsteps; every one of their children worked in Yellowstone at some time. Bud shared his love of music with his children, too. For many years, he directed his own family band: the Ross Family Performers. He taught his children to “feel” the music he loved and understood.

Bud shared his testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Yellowstone, he served as a group leader in the Canyon and Lake areas. His influence led to many individuals investigating and joining the Church. In Salt Lake City, he served as a Stake mission leader, choir director, and in other positions.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, a daughter, Shannon Ross Knudson, a grandson, Cameron Ross, and a brother-in-law, Hugo Johansson. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Linnea Johansson Ross, and eight children: Christi Ross Carroll (Steve), Stephanie Ross Coleman (Tom), Carl Thomas Ross (Rayma), David Jewell Ross (Tara), Michael Bud Ross (Freya), Bradley Mark Ross (Susan), Garrett Scott Ross (Ellen), and Linnea Ross, and two sisters-in-law, Solveig Coles Thomas, and Ann Johansson. He has 31 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, a number that continues to increase.

Bud changed lives wherever he went; his legacy lives on! Music, Yellowstone, and family shaped him. He reminded us often, “Remember who you are!” As we, his family continue our lives, his words, actions, and ideas will impact us throughout the generations. We love you, Dad! “May the Lord bless you and keep you.”

Join us to celebrate Bud Ross’s life on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Highland Park Ward, 2535 South Douglas Ave, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106. Visiting with family: 10:00-11:30 am, family prayer: 11:30, Funeral services: 12:00 pm. Interment: Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 South Memory Lane, Holladay

To stream services: https://zoom.us/j/94217353532?pwd=cjRRcUJ6T2VHdFFHNHlGdlZxNy9Ddz09