Solomon "Buddy" Ross

Solomon M. “Buddy” Ross, 69 of Fort Totten, ND surrounded by his loving family, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, relative and friend made his spirit journey home to our Creator on October 27, 2011 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. A Wake for Buddy will be held at the St. Michael Recreation Center, St. Michael ND on Friday, November 4, 2011 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave at 4:30 p.m. on Friday from Wal-Mart. Funeral Services for Buddy will be on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. also at the Recreation Center. Deacon Tony McDonald will officiate and Buddy will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Music will be provided by Tony and Vina McDonald and all drum groups are welcome to share songs in memory of Buddy. Solomon or “Buddy” was born on August 15, 1942 to Margaret and Henry Bear in Devils Lake, ND. At the age of one, he was adopted by his grandparents, Tom and Jeannie Ross. He attended area schools and graduated from Flandreau Indian School in 1961. Buddy was known for his athletic abilities and was active in football and loved playing basketball and was on the team that went to state. In 1970 he met the love of his life and married Claudette Jackson on March 5, 1971 and they made their home in Fort Totten raising their sons Wade, Rory, Russ, Klae and daughter Ashley. In recent years, Buddy and Claudette took care of their grandchildren and adopted grandson Lance Mahto Ross as their son. During his career, Solomon worked at tribal finance, Sioux Manufacturing, Head Start and served many years as the home-school coordinator at Four Winds School. He was the junior high basketball coach for many years, providing guidance and support to many of our young people who were developing an interest in athletics. Buddy took an interest in our youth also coaching pee-wee softball. Bud had many interests including hunting, checking out the casino, and sports. Buddy enjoyed playing softball and formed his own team called “The Outlaws” and they went to the state tournament twice. He was active in the community and served on the public school and tribal election boards for many years. Buddy followed his traditional Dakota ways. He and his children started dancing and hitting the pow-wow trail. He began singing at the drum with his father in law, Ignatius Jackson Sr. and then formed “Lake Region Singers” The group recorded a tape and most of the original singers are now gone to the spirit world. Buddy is now reunited with the others...sing on boys! Buddy was always willing to help out and served several times on the Fort Totten Days committee and was asked to serve as eyapaha for many gatherings.. Buddy was a true ikce wicasa in every sense of the word. Buddy had the greatest respect for his elders and listened and learned from Ignatius Jackson Sr., Paul Little, and others. He understood our traditional ways and provided direction for others through his singing ability, knowledge of songs and traditional ways. Buddy was baptized into the Catholic faith. He was raised in the Native American Church ways while living with his grandfather, Tom Ross. He was a believer in the Native American Church and had a great respect for all faiths. Due to a heart attack in 1994, Buddy was forced to retire which was difficult for him because he was always a hard working man who provided for his family. During recent years, Buddy had many health challenges but was an advocate for himself and others, often speaking out for change on health issues. He had a positive impact on others through his efforts and sharing his personal story. We will miss him always but we know that he is now at peace, free from pain, and will be welcomed home by our relatives in the spirit world, sons: Russ, Klae, and Lance Ross, grandson Lance M. Ross, parents & grandparents, brothers Jerome, James & Michael Bear, and Nathan Buck Jones, niece and nephew Wanda & Sam Jackson, and in-laws Ignatius & Sadie Jackson, and Buzzy & Ping Jackson. Buddy is survived by his wife, Claudette Ross; sons: Wade Ross, Rory Ross, and Lance Mahto Ross; daughter: Ashley Ross Feather; sisters: Doris Longie, Dianne Jackson, Anita Bear, Belinda Bear, Sonja Knox, and Swadeau (Terry) Halsey; brother: Alvin (Laverne) Bear; grandchildren: Tiffany, Shayna, Chantel, and Wyatt Ross, Jared Demarce, Leanna, Lachelle, Claudia Krista, Rory Jr., and Cameron Ross, Sierrah Ross, Heaven Longie, Rachel and Richard Feather; great grandchildren: Kieran Herman, Kayden and Victoro Ross, and Shanbree Jetty. A special thank you to Aunt Geraldine Blackhawk, Butch and Paula Goulet, Cecil Longie Sr. and Cecil Jr. for comforting Buddy during his last hours at the hospital. Thank you to Bonnie & John Wells and Tony McDonald for helping with our traditional preparations. We really appreciate it. Thank you for every kindness you’ve shown during this difficult time from Bud’s family. We will always cherish the memories of our loved one. Rest in Peace Buddy. Active Pallbearers will be Joseph Butch Goulet, Alvin Bear, Terrance Halsey, Derrick Jackson, Duane Jackson Sr., Russ McDonald, Bob Charboneau and Burton Joe Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony McDonald, Al McKay, Connie Charboneau, Jeannie Charboneau, Dorothea Chico Olson, Cissy McKay, Nancy Green Robertson, Nancy Longie Dauphinais, Roger Yankton Sr., Dr. Candelaria Martin, Cheryl & Brooks Good Iron, Myra Pearson, John Good Iron and Sam Merrick Sr.