Ross D. Ruchti

Ross Daw Ruchti, 85, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025.

Ross was born on December 3, 1939, in Pocatello. He married Anita Marie Richardson Ruchti, his wife and love of 61 years. Together they raised six children: Ross (Katy), Heidi, James (Wendy), Michael (Jen), Simon (Heather), and Amber (Dave). He was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, his father, his stepmother, and his sisters - Nancy Burwell and Joanne Ruchti.

Ross earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from BYU, and a Masters in Public Administration and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Idaho State University. He began his career at Albertsons, where he worked in accounting and helped start the company’s first IT department. He finished his career at Idaho State University, serving as Associate Director of Enrollment Planning and retiring as Registrar in 2005. Colleagues at ISU loved working with Ross, and he loved the people around him.

Ross’s service to the community was extensive. He joined the Army Reserves after high school with some of his buddies. He later served an LDS mission in the Austria-Switzerland Mission where he learned to speak German. He also served as a bishop and held many other church positions. Ross served as a valuable board member in several organizations, including Portneuf Valley Soccer Club, Pocatello Community Charter School, and Gate City Youth Soccer. For 33 years, he volunteered with the Simplot Games, spending several years as Head Official and earning a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He also officiated ISU Track and Field for more than 30 years.

Ross was an amateur home remodeler. Walls were knocked down and put up. Garages became family rooms. Decks were built. Not only did he enjoy the process, the eight-person family needed the additional space!

Ross’s warm personality, wisdom, and kindness touched everyone he met. He was a loving father and grandfather, a mediator, a great conversationalist, and a welcoming presence to friends and family alike. He was a father figure to many, always interested in others’ lives, offering guidance and encouragement with an easy smile and comforting presence.

Ross cherished time with family at Island Park, hunting pheasants as a child, woodworking, barbecuing and sharing countless memories with loved ones. Ross and his legacy of warmth, generosity, and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 27, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID, beginning at 9:00AM, with services at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow. An open house will be held at 3:00 p.m. at 1490 Windsong Ln in Pocatello. The family welcomes anyone who wants to pay their respects, share stories and celebrate his life.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.