June 29, 1936 – September 25, 2026

Ross L. Talbott, a longtime New Castle resident, passed away surrounded by his family after a life of remarkable energy, accomplishment, conviction, and service.
Ross was born June 29, 1936, in Palisade, Colorado. On June 30, 1957, he married Ramona Collier, and they began a marriage and partnership that would span nearly seven decades. In 1959, after finishing college with a degree in Physics, they moved to New Castle where the Talbott family purchased a ranch with a one-room cabin. From those modest beginnings, he built their family home and several businesses. The roots he put down would reach through the generations.
Ross believed in providing for his family with his own hands. He was a hunter, and much of what he hunted helped feed his growing family. Evidence of his adventures was never far away including the mountain lion that held a prominent place on the living room wall and became a memorable part of the Talbott home.
Ross was a builder by nature and a man of strong convictions. Over the course of his life, he was a businessman, farmer, teacher, firefighter and Fire Chief, civic leader, and church leader. Among the businesses he developed was Apple Tree Park, a large mobile home community in New Castle and the neighboring Mountain Shadows Subdivision. He worked hard, expected the same of others, and had a particular heart for working people, creating opportunities and community for families like his own.
His commitment to New Castle went well beyond his work. In 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial, Ross began sponsoring a Fourth of July Freedom Celebration. What began that year became a beloved local tradition that continued for 45 years—an old-fashioned day of family fun, especially for children, that brought generations of the community together. He was also a familiar voice at New Castle’s Burning Mountain Festival, where he often announced the parade. He also loved to sing and shared his voice at many events and gatherings throughout his life.
His Christian faith was deeply personal. Every Sabbath, Ross drove his four-wheeler to the top of the mountain overlooking New Castle. There, he prayed over the community that he loved. If you listened very carefully, you might hear the rustic notes of his shofar wafting across the valley.
The family Ross and Ramona began grew to six children, 23 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He is survived by Ramona and their children, Rita Berglund (Brad), Ross Mark Talbott (Rebecca), Russell Talbott (Dennie), Renee Miller (David), Raelynn Barlow (Fred), and Tim Anderson, along with the generations of family who follow them.
Ross lived life to the fullest and left a lasting mark on his family and his community. One of the things he often said perhaps captures his life best:
“Leave the world a better place for your having been there.”
Ross did.
A memorial service celebrating Ross’s life will be held Saturday, October 24 at 1:30 p.m. at New Hope Church in New Castle, Colorado.

Ross and Ramona were active in the ministry of The Gideons International for more than 50 years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Gideons International in Ross’s memory at https://gideons.org or Gideons International
P. O. Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214