Kenneth Dale Ross, 71, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away September 27, 2024. Ken was born August 7, 1953, to Silas and Frances (White Mouse) Ross.

Ken graduated from Harold High School in Harold, SD in 1970.  He went on to further his education in criminal law and graduated from the United Tribes Technical College in 1975.  He also completed the Police Academy in 1974.  In 1996, he became certified as a high-profile criminal investigator.

Ken spent approximately 22 years total in the police force.  He also spent 8-9 years as a bilingual teacher.  He was employed on the police force in multiple places over his career to include Apache Nation in New Mexico; Utah; Pine Ridge, SD and Ft. Thompson, SD.  There was a time he wanted to be an FBI agent.

Ken called Hot Springs his home for many years.  He resided there starting in 1985 up till he fell sick and lived his last few months with his daughter, Rosanne in Summerset, SD, where he was surrounded by his family and lots of love.

Ken enjoyed the outdoors.  He trained horses in his younger days and loved helping out on the family ranches in New Mexico and South Dakota.  You could often find him fishing and hunting.  He loved Elvis and listening to his music and watching his movies.  He also enjoyed watching old black and white westerns, rodeos and bull riding.

Ken was a darn good man.  He loved his animals and his family with all his heart.  He enjoyed his friends, brothers and sisters, even though not by blood.  He was a person who wanted to make and or see you smile.  He was a strong and very independent man, morally drive and always caring.

Ken is predeceased by his parents, Silas Ross Sr and Frances White Mouse (Ross); siblings, Gloria Ross (White Mouse); Leroy Ross Sr; Silas Ross Jr; Lloyd Ross Sr; Leslie Ross; Delores Ross (Comes Flying); Illavae Ross (Long Crow); Spencer Ross; grandparents; Jean Shave Dog; Thomas Ross; James White Mouse and Mary Camel.

Ken is survived by his children, Kiley Dee Sky Horse; Kimberly Rockwood; Christopher Ross; Rosanne (Logan) Behnke; Janelle Wilson; grandchildren, KJ Sky Horse; Jamie Sky Horse; Kail Dee Maria; Dayton Rockwood; Darren Rockwood; Wylder Ross; Christopher Ross Jr; Lucah Behnke; Ruah Benkle; Mikelyn Behnke; Moriah Vaile; Georgia Vaile; great grandchildren, Jameson Sky Horse; Rosa Lena Ross and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD with funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.   Committal service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.