Ross Alan Cheesman

1947 ~ 2021

Viewing:

June 1, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
1950 E. Dimple Dell Road. Sandy, Utah 84092
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    June 1, 2021
    11:00 AM
    1950 E. Dimple Dell Road. Sandy, Utah 84092
  • Directions to Service
  • Ross Alan Cheesman returned to his Heavenly home with the love of his life by his side on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021.

    Ross was a larger-than-life personality. Whether it was planning his wife’s 60th birthday or a Sunday family dinner, he was the life of the party and loved being with people. He went out of his way to meet someone new and made sure to say hello to anyone he recognized. His smile was contagious, and even through his physical challenges, he managed to choose optimism.

    He was born in San Diego, California on September 14, 1947, to Paul and Millie Cheesman. His childhood years were spent in Southern California, until they moved to Miami, Florida where many of their days were filled with the beach and swimming in the pool they built as a family. Being the second oldest of six kids, he often cared for his younger siblings. The family later moved to Orem, Utah where he graduated from high school.

    In 1966, Ross served an LDS mission in Richmond, Virginia, where he touched many lives with his strong testimony. His faith was a core part of who he was.

    He attended BYU where he majored in Zoology, and then went on to the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He fell in love with Gail Simmons, and they married in the Logan, Utah temple on March 10, 1976. He often felt like he won the lottery with Gail and it was a privilege for their children and grandchildren to witness their unconditional love for each other.

    They were blessed with six children, all of whom carry on his spirit; Ryan (Kamber) Cheesman, Alicia (Sean) Wolfert, Melanie (Michael) Lemon, Alan (Karas) Cheesman, Kevin (Katie) Cheesman, and Jake (Jessica) Cheesman. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Robert Cheesman and his mother-in-law, Jean Foster Simmons. He is survived by his mother Millie Cheesman (age 97) and his 19 cherished grandchildren.

    He spent his career growing his private dental practice and loved to dabble in all sorts of entrepreneurial endeavors. From running his own toffee business, to real estate investing, he was a visionary and thrived on creating business opportunities for himself.

    Ross was passionate about documenting (especially family pictures) and cheering on his beloved BYU Cougars and Utah Jazz. It wasn’t uncommon to find Ross belting out a classical song from his favorite musical, or snacking on black licorice by himself in a movie theater. He also loved cooking and was known for his prime rib and famous waffles.

    At 6’ 4”, he was a gentle giant and could be spotted in a crowd by his unforgettable ample eyebrows. He sported a crooked middle finger (from a previous softball injury) and an 18-inch scar on his femur from falling out of a tree in his youth.

    He served in various church callings throughout his life and had the opportunity to serve as a bishop, high counselor, ward mission leader, and gospel doctrine instructor. He loved serving and influenced many people. In 2008, Ross and Gail served together in the Jamaica, Kingston mission.

    Ross miraculously recovered from COVID-19 in October, after a two-week stay in the ICU. He struggled with diabetes, a transplanted pancreas and kidney, and ultimately succumbed to renal failure. He was blessed to spend the last few days of his life surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren in the comfort of his home.

    Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 1st, at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092 at 11:00 am, with a viewing prior to the funeral from 10:00-10:45 am.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Uncle Ross was a source of joy. So grateful for his presence, his smile, and for his legacy.


    - Stacy Christian

    Dear Gail,
    I knew Ross from high school and worked with him at Price's Ice Cream Parlor. I really enjoyed him and was hoping to see him at our postponed class reunion this September. I am so sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. I know that you will always be able to feel Ross's presence with you. My heart goes out to you at this time. May Heavenly Father bless you all and help you through this sad loss.
    Here's a poem that I would like to share with you. It's called Bound, and is written by an LDS poet, Carol Lynn Pearson.
    There's something strangely false in our
    Assured, complete goodbye,
    For love's the blood in the flesh of the soul
    And the soul will never die.
    So--friendly, fondly, as I may
    In God's approving view,
    I'll call across eternity
    For messages of you.


    - Kathy Peterson Bartz

    As a friend of the Lemon Family, we send our love to them and to all their family. So sorry for your loss.

    Joe, Jill and boys.


    - The Amsberry Family

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Ross was my childhood friend, Miami, FL.


    - Bonnie Janelle Milam

    As a young struggling missionary (in Virginia Beach) Ross, my District Leader, took me under his wing and made sure to always encourage me, almost every day. I'm only 5'6" and his 6'4" frame towered over me but he took care of me during a difficult time during my mission. Some years ago, while working for a local Heating and AC company, I ran into Ross on on of our installations, it was like 30 years had never passed. We talked about investigators like it was yesterday. I'll always love that man.


    - Wayne Anderson

    So sorry to hear this news. Ross was one of my favorite classmates through dental school and will never forget his welcoming us to visit many years ago on a Utah ski trip. Please know that you and family will be in my prayers.


    - Homer Fortney

    Sincerest condolences to Gail and the family at this time of your loss. Ross was loved snd will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.


    - Kim and Claudia Lambourne

    Ross was a great friend and inspiration in dental school. I send my deepest sympathy to his family.

    Terry Parkman


    - Terry Parkman

    Dear Gail, we send our condolences and our love at such a sad time for you and your family. We will never forget when your family moved into the ward those many years ago and impressed us all by your throwing yourselves cheerfully into all the activities of the ward and neighborhood. You all seemed to be magnets for happiness and friendship and set such a wonderful standard of welcoming and kindness to us all. We were all better people for knowing you and Ross and having the joy of our children interacting with yours.
    Sincerely with love, Fred and Linda Denison


    - Fred and Linda Denison

    So sorry for your family's loss. I got to know Ross well during his hospital stays, and I really enjoyed the time spent with him. He was always so positive no matter what the day brought. One if the kindest men I have known.


    - Robert Lawrence

    Patti and I send our most sincere condolences. Ross was always a pleasure to be around. He will be missed greatly. Jim and (perio) Patti Armbruster


    - James Armbruster

    Ross was a ULSD classmate. We shared the many experiences of our four years as a class together.
    In later years we coincidentally shared some medical history. I'm sorry he's gone.


    - John M McCrillis DMD

    What a shock! I was a dental school classmate of Ross. He was such a great guy with a “larger than life “ personality.I am so sorry for your loss. Marg Campisano


    - Math Campissno