Val Richard Ross, 79, of Loveland, Colorado, died Monday, February 10, 2003, in Loveland.Val was born July 28, 1923, in Pueblo, Colorado, the son of Valentine and Vada Rose Ross. He married Josephine Souchek on December 20, 1980, in Loveland. He was a former resident of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. He'd been a Loveland resident since 1967. He attended Centennial High School and Central High School in Pueblo.Val spent three years in the Merchant Marines, serving in the South Pacific during WWII. He worked in sales for the Continental Baking Company for 34 years, retiring as the Supervisor of Northern Colorado in 1973.He attended the Presbyterian Church and was a long-time member of the Masons. Val and his wife Jo shared a mutual love of the mountains and family; his greatest love was Colorado itself. They traveled extensively through the mountains, camping, fishing and hunting. He thoroughly enjoyed Mountain Man Rendezvous and was known by many as Powderhorn, along with Jo, who was known as the Mountain Maid. He became quite well known in his retirement years for his woodworking skills and creative lawn ornaments.Val is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jo Ross of Loveland, CO; three sons, Richard DeWayne Ross and his wife Mae of Gillette, WY; Robert C. Ross and his wife Jacque of Highlands Ranch, CO; and John A. Ross of Kremmling, CO; one step-son, John Smethurst and his wife Ruby of Loveland, CO; two daughters, Ann Siefkes and her husband Jerry of Walton, NE; and Vicki Schmid and her husband ray of Kremmling, CO; one step-daughter, JoAnne Sturgeon and her husband Rich of Loveland, CO; one brother, Charles Ross and his wife Terry of Pueblo, CO; one sister, Betty Osher; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Valerie Maxine Ross.A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 15, 2003, at Allnutt Funeral Service/Hunter Chapel. Military rites will be performed by the Associated Veterans Honor Guard.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Hospice of Larimer County in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 2100 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538.