Lance "Mahto" Ross

Lance began his journey home on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

Lance Mahto Ross was born on February 28, 2003 to Ashley Ross Feather and Owen McKay. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents Solomon and Claudette Ross.  From the day he was born he never left their side. As a baby Mahto was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis. Despite the disadvantages he faced and being told he would only have him until he was a teenager, he made the best out of it.

 Lance was always a helpful person who earned good grades in school and proved the doctors wrong by recently graduating from high school with honors. It was the happiest day of his life. From that day forward he got his own place. He worked at various jobs, always had a plan to better his life. That’s what we loved about Mahto. His ability to never let life’s struggles get the best of him. We admired his strength and determination. 

Mahto started his education in Headstart at the Fort Totten Center, attended Tate Topa Elementary and went on to continue grade school and high school at Four Winds Community School where he was always on the honor roll and made us all so proud. Along with his education journey, he met many amazing, helpful teachers who made a huge impact on his daily life. They were the reason he looked forward to each day at school. We can’t thank them enough for all they have done for Mahto and the family.

Mahto had a big heart and loved and cared for his family deeply. He shared an inseparable bond with his sister, Sierrah. They went everywhere together. Both were a part of the Class of 2022 at Four Winds High School.

Mahto loved driving around, listening to music and playing games on his PS4. He looked forward to getting all the newest games. You would see him always willing to give a helping hand, spending time with his cousins, friends and siblings. Always wrestling around, cracking jokes, just enjoying each others company.

His latest goal he set out for himself was buying a new house for his sisters and brother, he wanted them all under the same roof again. More than anything, Mahto missed his parents Solomon and Claudette, brothers Wade and Rory. We know he is happy to be reunited with them all in Heaven. Lance will be remembered for his huge heart, goofy personality, admirable strength.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family. His biological mother Ashley; sisters Sierrah Ross and Rachel Feather; brother Richard “Baby Doh” Feather; nieces Tiffany Ross and family, Shayna Ross and family, Chantel (Rece) Jetty, LeAnna, LaChelle, Claudia and Krista Ross; nephews Rory Ross Jr. and Cameron Ross; aunts Phyllis Jackson, Debra Jackson, Doris Longie, Diane Jackson, Anita Bear and Sonya Knox; uncles Burton Jackson and Alvin Bear and many cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Lance will be reunited with his parents Solomon and Claudette Ross, brothers Wade, Rory, Russ and Klae Ross, sisters Heaven Longie and Elaina Rainbow, maternal grandparents Ignatius and Sadie Jackson, paternal grandparents Henry and Margaret Bear, special nephew Wyatt “Bullrider” Ross and many other loving family members.

The Wake for Lance will be held at St. Michael’s Recreation Center on Friday, October 7, 2022 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a time of prayer at 7:00 p.m.  The procession to St. Michael will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Friday from City Plaza, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Mahto will be on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Recreation Center with burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Music will be provided by Lake Region Singers.

Active Pallbearers: Rory Ross Jr., Cameron Ross, Brandon Charboneau, Dylan Greywater, Richard “Doh” Feather, Thomas Demarce, Gabriel Jackson, Joseph Jackson and Philip KillsPlenty. Honorary Pallbearers: All Teachers and Special Education Staff at Four Winds Community School, Maidie and Roger Enget, Four Winds Class of 2022, Phaedra and Gabriel Jackson, Jayy Cavanaugh, Butch “Casper” Goulet, Elton and Felicia Greywater, Jackie Yankton, Bonita Morin, Rena Lohnes and Family, Devin Littlewind, Nancy Robertson-Greene, Sadé McKay, Demitri and Alexis Demarce, Marshall Blacklance, Dequan Keo, Kellen Keo, Brenda Jackson and Family, “Bunz” Jackson and Family, Patty Jackson and Family, Sandy Jackson and Family, Burton and Barb Jackson, Owen McKay and Family.