Title: Remembering Leonard Ross: A Life of Service, Family, and Passion for Horses
Leonard Ross passed away peacefully April 20, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Williamsville, Missouri, Nov. 1, 1927, he moved to Portola, California, in 1937 with his mother, Ida May (Greenwall), and father, Sherman Lee Ross, along with his seven brothers and three sisters. He graduated in 1945 from Portola Junior-Senior High School. During his high school years, Leonard learned meat cutting from Leroy Biek and retail business from Milo Townsend. With these new skills, he established Leonard’s Market in 1961 and then sold the successful business in 1972.
After that, Leonard was elected to the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, where he served the county for 16 years. He was legendary in his accomplishments, which included forming the Eastern Plumas District Hospital in Portola, writing the bill establishing the Sierra Valley basin as a groundwater district (the first in California), working tirelessly to get the road to Lake Davis paved, and installing a waterline between Portola and the lake.
Leonard was an avid 45-year supporter of the Plumas County Fair, served as director, announced the horse shows for 16 years, and demonstrated meat cutting for the CowBelles. He spent hours on the grounds watching his children compete in horse shows, and he was honored by having a rodeo arena named after him. He showed his own horses for 23 years and was the proud owner of a thoroughbred stallion, Retake, who was California Grand Champion in 1965 in Sacramento.
Leonard married Bell Courtney in 1946, and together they had three children: Leonard, Dennis ‘Mike’, and Debbie. They divorced in 1973. His greatest joy and success were his marriage to Elaine McGarr, whom he wed in 1975. Elaine had three sons, Mike, Dennis, and Ron. Elaine was always by his side and was able to join him on quite a few of his business trips. A memorable one was their trip to New Orleans for a conference. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February with cake and ice cream, surrounded by three generations of loved ones. Elaine was the love of his life and together they shared six children, nine grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Leonard delighted in the moments when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit. The kids were free to have a safe childhood filled with adventure, riding the hills, picnics, chores, the county fair, wagon rides, Grandma’s hugs, and pancakes that smiled. Every grand/great grandson was taught the skill of shooting, and all the kids have a horse tale or two to share, as Leonard’s greatest passion in life was his horses. He loved riding, showing and building carts to drive his horses. He loved to hunt and was able to go on an elk hunting trip with his son and grandson in Colorado. He was a skilled craftsman, building cabinets and furniture for his loved ones.
Leonard was a great storyteller and through his stories he taught great life lessons: stand on your own two feet; if you really need something you’ll always find a way; the difference between need and want; and you’re capable of anything you set your mind to.
Leonard is survived by his wife Elaine, sons Leonard (Gerry) Ross, Dennis (Sue) McGarr, Ron (Kayna) McGarr, and daughter Debbie Payne. His sons, Michael (Benay) McGarr and Dennis “Mike” Ross preceded him in death.
Please join us in celebrating Leonard’s life by attending his memorial service May 24 at 1 p.m. at Sierra Christian Church in Beckwourth. The service will be officiated by Rick Roberti. Our family wishes to thank those who have shown their love and support during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Leonard’s honor to the Eastern Plumas Health Care Skilled Nursing Unit.
