Meet
Ross…

Raised on a cattle and grain ranching operation in Winifred, Ross developed his diligent work ethic alongside his grandfather Milton and father Ed. It was in 1927 that 16 year old Milton homesteaded after losing his father five years prior. Ed expanded the ranching legacy, working as an educator, salesman, corporate business consultant and elected official.

 

Ross attended Winifred school through junior high. Transferring to Fergus High School, he graduated in 1987. While serving as FFA state vice president he enrolled at MSU. He completed his bachelors degree majoring in political science and history, all while marrying his college sweetheart Karla and transferring to U of M. Ross and Karla had their first son their last year of school. They moved to Lewistown after purchasing a retail business and to settle into raising their family of 4 children.

 

Active in church and community, Ross was comfortable in leaving the politics to his political firebrand father senator Ed Butcher and older brother Trevis. They had engaged across the state and nation with many issues. After being elected by write in to the Fergus County Community Council, Ross served there for 8 years, 6 as chair. With an open seat in 2014, he decided to run for County Commissioner.

 

Ross has now served 12 years as a Fergus County Commissioner. During this time, he has also become quite active representing Fergus County across the state and at the national level. He was elected to serve as 2nd Vice president of the Montana Association of Counties in 2021, and was promoted to 1st vice president in 2022. From 23-24 he served as President of MACo, stepping off the executive board in 2025. To more broadly serve Fergus County, he is a founding member of Montana Natural Resources Coalition. Focused on local governance for local lands, MTNRC is comprised of fellow Montana County Commissioners.

 

He enjoys camping, hunting, fishing, shooting, hockey and playing basketball with the old guys at noon. But mostly he wants to be on a motorbike out in the back country. As a father and grandfather, the growing pack of grand kids are his best motivation for continued service to our community. 

 

Ross has always lived with a sense of purpose. That purpose is to serve God, family, and country. As your County Commissioner, he has been able to make a positive impact for Fergus County, the state of Montana, and this great nation.