Ross S. Tillotson, of Maple Valley, Washington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.
He is survived by his sons, Michael, Steven and David Tillotson, and daughter Christine Inman; grandchildren Brian Tillotson, Melissa Thompson, Sarah Wiebenga, Tyler Tillotson and Travis Tillotson; and several great-grand children. He is also survived by his brothers, Elmer and Charley Tillotson; and his sisters, Margaret Chissus and Lauretta Maiers.
Ross was a man with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He had the best sense of humor and could fill any room with laughter from his many stories of growing up on the farm and working in the Forest Service. Many life lessons could be learned from his stories of his career, in the U.S. Army stationed in Korea and then years of working for Pacific Northwest Bell phone company. After 32 years with the phone company, Ross was able to retire in 1987 and spent the last decades of his life doing what he loved best, horseback riding. Ross had many adventures with friends and family, exploring and clearing the trail all around Washington state. He kept horses on his small ranch in Maple Valley and was very active in the Back Country Horseman Club and Competitive Mountain Orienteering.
Ross’ number one priority was family and he enjoyed his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. He could tell you all kinds of stories of his family growing up and no one knew their ancestry better than he, a very proud Irishman! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visit www.yahnandson.com. for online guestbook. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate.
A graveside service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. followed by a potluck celebration of Ross’s life at The Black Diamond Eagles Club.
