New Castle Developer Ross Talbott Built 45-Year Summer Tradition

Rifle —The engine of a four-wheeler rattles against the gravel as it climbs the ridge above New Castle. It’s a quiet kind of noise, the kind that gets lost under the wind. Up here, the view opens up. Below, the town stretches out, a patchwork of rooftops and dirt roads. This is the spot. Every Sabbath, without fail, Ross L. Talbott stood here. He didn’t just look at the valley; he prayed over it. If you listened carefully, you might even catch the faint, rustic notes of his shofar wafting across the landscape.

That image — of a man literally standing on the hilltop to watch over his community — is the part everyone skips past when they read the obituary published by the Post Independent. The obvious take is that Ross was a successful businessman. And he was. But that misses the point. The real story isn’t about the money he made; it’s about the infrastructure of care he built with his own hands.

Born in Palisade in 1936, Ross moved to New Castle in 1959 after marrying Ramona Collier. They started with almost nothing: a ranch and a one-room cabin. From there, he built their home and several businesses, including Apple Tree Park, a large mobile home community, and the Mountain Shadows Subdivision. He wasn’t just a developer; he was a provider. He hunted to feed his family, and the mountain lion mounted on his living room wall served as a constant reminder of that self-reliance. He expected hard work from others, but he created the opportunities for that work to exist.

His commitment to the town went beyond economics. In 1976, during the Bicentennial, he started sponsoring a Fourth of July Freedom Celebration. What began as a single event became a 45-year tradition. It was an old-fashioned day of fun, specifically designed for children, that kept generations of the community connected. He was also a familiar voice at the Burning Mountain Festival, often announcing the parade. He loved to sing and shared his voice at countless gatherings. He was a firefighter, a Fire Chief, a teacher, and a civic leader. He wore many hats, but they all fit the same head.

Ramona and Ross raised six children. Today, he is survived by Ramona, their children, Rita Berglund, Ross Mark Talbott, Russell Talbott, Renee Miller, Raelynn Barlow, and Tim Anderson - and 23 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The tree he planted has deep roots.

Ross was a man of conviction. His Christian faith was deeply personal, driving him to serve. He believed in leaving the world a better place for having been there. He didn’t just say it; he did it. He built homes, hosted festivals, and prayed for his neighbors. He left a mark that won’t fade.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m. at New Hope Church in New Castle. It’s a chance to gather one last time, to remember the man who stood on the hilltop and watched over us all.