Donald Ross

Donald Fay "Punkie" Ross Donald Fay Ross, known by family and friends as Punkie, passed away Friday, December 16, 2005, at the age of 90. The eldest of four siblings, he was born April 18, 1915 in Plainview, Minnesota to Fay and Mabel Ross. As a boy, he moved with his family to Faribault, Minnesota, where he grew up and met Marian Highland, who shared his passion for horses. Don and Marian fell in love and married on August 16, 1940, and later had two daughters, Sharon and Marilyn. The Ross Family stayed in Faribault where Don was an area farrier and worked as the Railway Express agent.  An upstanding member of the community, he was actively involved in The Church of Christ, and was a charter member of The Rice County Sheriff's Mounted Posse. In its spare time, the Ross Family was devoted to raising and showing quarter horses. Always an American patriot, Don was honored to serve his country in World War II. He was inducted into the United States Army in 1943 and served with the Bushmasters 158th Regimental Combat Team. This team took part in three South Pacific invasions , and he was also involved with army occupation of Korea. Having valiantly represented his country in battle, he was awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star, and was honorably discharged December, 1945. Upon his return to life as a civilian, he was employed as a foreman at McQuay Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1976. Always a westerner at heart, Don moved to Prescott, Arizona where he could continue to enjoy horses in the open nature of Williamson Valley. He made many friends and was happy to remain in Prescott with his family. Don's greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters, Dani and Kye. He would share his enthusiasm for them with anyone and everyone, which reflected his warm, endearing nature. Donald Fay Ross is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marian; his youngest daughter, Marilyn Terrasi; his son-in-law, Anthony Terrasi, Prescott; granddaughter, Dani Terrasi, Tucson; granddaughter Kye Terrasi, Los Angeles; brother, Max Ross and sister, Betty Ross, Faribault; and sister, Jane Hanson, Sacramento. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Sharon Kay Nowlin.