Ross Hainsworth

Ross Hainsworth, 82, of Firth, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on February 26, 2026.

Ross was born on August 27, 1943, to Robshaw Alfred Cyril “Sy” Hainsworth and Lola Barrows at the Shelley Maternity Hospital in Shelley, Idaho. He grew up in Shelley, where he attended school and graduated from Shelley High School, Class of 1962.

Ross was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man, he served a service mission in California, primarily in the Long Beach and Hollywood areas.

Ross married Deborah D. Woodward Applebury in the temple on August 12, 1983. They were married for six years and welcomed their son, Tyler Ross Hainsworth, on May 14, 1986. Debbie passed away on April 15, 1989.

Ross later married Sandi Jolene Bromley Calixto on October 12, 1991. Through this marriage, Ross gained four stepchildren. Although they divorced a few years later, Ross and Sandi remained close friends throughout his life. Ross continued to be a father figure to Sandi’s children and “Grandpa Ross” to Sandi's grandkids.

Ross moved to Firth in the fall of 1991 and lived there until his passing. He worked at GPOD in Shelley, where he made many friends, and later at Nonpareil in Blackfoot until retiring at age 62.

Ross lived a simple, joyful life. He loved a good joke—especially the simple ones—and often greeted loved ones with his signature line, “How now brown cow?” even if no one quite knew what he meant. His smile and quirky humor were hallmarks of his personality. Ross enjoyed fishing, going to the movies, listening to oldies music, playing pool, and especially playing Mexican Train dominoes. Many days, he could be found at his “happy place,” the senior center in Shelley, where he formed many meaningful friendships. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and served as a board member for a time.

Ross loved celebrating holidays and birthdays with his best friend Sandi, his stepchildren, and his step-grandchildren. He taught the younger grandchildren how to play Mexican Train and loved coloring with his little step-granddaughter, Charlotte. Ross was kind-hearted, gentle, and deeply loved by those closest to him. His warm spirit and familiar farewell—“See you later, alligator,” followed by the reply, “After a while, crocodile”—will be dearly missed.

Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Sy and Lola Hainsworth; his wife, Debbie Woodward; his son, Tyler Ross Hainsworth; his brothers Don Alfred Hainsworth, and Paul L. Hainsworth; and his sisters, Carol Hainsworth, Arlene Hainsworth.

He is survived by his sister, LouAnn Hainsworth Bjornberg; his former wife and best friend, Sandi Calixto; his stepchildren Jesse (Taylor) Calixto, Maria (Chris) Hinton, Amy(Tomas) Lizarraga, and Anna(Juan) Hernandez; and his step grandchildren Jordyn(Jaime), Mario(Abbi), Julian, Michael, Joseph, Jaylee, Michelle, Marcus, Isabella and Charlotte.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

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