Elton Ross Hoyt, 84

Big Arm resident Elton Ross Hoyt, age 84, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He was born on June 21, 1938, in Polson to E. Edward and A. Blanch (Howell) Hoyt.

He graduated from Polson High School in 1957. He was in the National Guard for seven-and-a-half years. He married Darline Joyce in 1966 and they raised two sons, Chris and Tom. Chris was born in October 1967 and they adopted Tom in 1974. In 2013 they adopted their daughter, Tammy.

Ross was a rancher, self-employed building contractor, and backhoe operator. He retired and spent his time wood working.

Ross had two passions: one of which was making sure the community had a fire hall and in 1980 he and a lot of volunteers built the Big Arm Fire Hall. Ross volunteered for 20 years. He also helped to renovate the Big Arm School to use as a community center.

He was preceded in death by his son Chris in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Darline, son Tom (Angel) and daughter Tammy (Reidy); three grandsons and two great-granddaughters; and an aunt, Jessie Wienderlich of Valier, Mont.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.