Glen Horsley Ross

Glen Horsley Ross was born on July 29, 1952, to Drue Hunt and Madge Horsley Ross. He had two older siblings, Nancy and Sherman, and a younger sister, LouAnne. Glen’s earliest years were in The Avenues of Salt Lake City but when he was 6 they moved to Sugarhouse right across from the park, which doubled as his front yard. Glen adored his large group of friends who would roam the local neighborhoods on their bikes to explore, and occasionally get into mischief (like the time they raided their mothers’ jewelry boxes and traded their lore like pirates!). He loved his childhood and had many unique jobs such as running a newspaper route, working at a local pool, stocking shelves at the grocery store, and cleaning at the bus depot. Glen was full of fun and his nickname among his peers was Smiley due to his good-natured and cheerful temperament, and his love of jokes and light-hearted banter.

Glen loved all of his scouting experiences. One of his favorite memories was working on the Snake River as a river guide associated with the scouting program. Prior to starting college he joined the Army National Guard where he eventually became an Intelligence Officer and served for 13 years. He took a hiatus from the military when he served a two year mission in Paris, France, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and truly developed an adoration for the French people, language, and culture. He would always dream about French flan as a favorite treat! These two years cemented a great loyalty and devotion to his faith and he served faithfully throughout his life in a large number of assignments, perhaps cherishing his work teaching children in Primary the most.

Glen enjoyed a constant passion for music and knew almost all the classical composers and their works, but his favorite artist/song writer was John Denver. Glen was an excellent singer and was devoted to his active participation in many church choirs and took pride to never miss a practice. He also loved trivia and would often beat the Jeopardy champions at home in his living room. His knowledge of trivia, along with his love of music and languages and cultures and his eventual advanced degrees in International Relations, Geography, and Political Science, all coalesced to make him everybody’s favorite Renaissance Man. He enjoyed more than 13 years attending the University of Utah, BYU, and The Ohio State University and loved academic life.

In 1987 Glen married Lisa Wolff in the Salt Lake City temple, and they began their family to include Rachel, Holly and Colin. Glen thrived in his life’s work teaching political science to college students at Citrus College in Glendora, California, where he often rode his bike to work and, after his daily visit to the gym, he would return home to spend all his time with his family playing in the pool, at local parks, and enjoying favorite movies. Glen’s greatest joys were his children with whom he cherished a particularly close and constant interaction.

Glen retired in 2019 and returned to Salt Lake City to be near his children, and shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He died January 31, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He will be acutely missed for the thousands of happy memories he shared with his family and friends and students.

Funeral services followed by a light dinner will be held at 4 pm this Friday, February 3, 2023, at the LDS chapel located at 9824 Flint Drive, Sandy, UT 84094.