Donabel Ross

Donabel Ross was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Larry, on January 20, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on July 5, 1932, to Ralph and Olga Nickelson on the Nickelson Ranch in Aladdin, Wyoming. She joined her two older brothers, Don and Darrell, growing up surrounded by the beauty and hard work of ranch life, with horses and puppies to love.

Donabel attended Aladdin School through the eighth grade before continuing her education in Belle Fourche, where she boarded with the Howard Tope family. The Topes became lifelong friends. During high school, Donabel and Larry both earned the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award, attended Boys and Girls State, and were honored as homecoming king and queen candidates. These shared experiences deepened their bond, and on March 1, 1952, at the Nickelson Ranch, Donabel married her high school sweetheart. She and Larry spent 64 wonderful years together until his passing in 2016.

To this loving union, three children were born: Ron (Joan) of Bend, Oregon; Bill (Julie) of Brookings, South Dakota; and Christi Crain (Randy) of Upton, Wyoming. Donabel’s love for her family was boundless. She took great joy in being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Donabel was the ultimate ranch wife, balancing countless responsibilities with strength and grace. She prepared endless, hearty, and delicious meals, cared for the home, her family, the hired hands, the dogs and cats, and the many nieces and nephews who practically lived at the ranch when school was out. She was the heart of every family gathering, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed, loved, and well-fed.

In 1973, Donabel moved off the ranch to Belle Fourche, where she began a new chapter, working for the Federal Land Bank and later for David Pummell, CPA. She retired at the age of 61, leaving behind a career built on hard work, integrity, and strong friendships. She spent her last years after Larry’s passing in Brookings, South Dakota to be near Bill and Julie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her parents, Ralph and Olga; and her brother, Don. She leaves behind her three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren—Brian, Michael, Evan, Brady, Luke, Mason, Lindy, and Mikala—six great-grandchildren, brother Darrell, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

Donabel lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. She loved studying and teaching God’s word in adult Bible study. She was a fierce and relentless prayer warrior, covering her family and friends in prayer. Her strength, steady guidance, and deep kindness touched the lives of many. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Ross/Nickelson family reunion celebrating family and remembering Donabel will be held on July 4 at Bowman Hall in Hermann Park. A graveside service will follow at Pineslope Cemetery at 10 a.m. on July 5. All who knew and loved Donabel are welcome to stop by and greet the family on the 4th or attend the graveside service on the 5th.