Homer "Ross" Bushman

Homer Ross Bushman passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Alta Ridge Memory Care from Aspiration Pneumonia at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born two months early on July 19, 1947, in Salt Lake City, UT. He was raised in Salt Lake City by his parents, Homer Green Bushman, and Arva Burton Bushman along with his sisters Naomi and Carol. Survived by his two sisters Naomi Bass (Michael), Carol Dana (Glen), many nieces and nephews and his best longtime friend Greg Ernst as well as his dog Sophie. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ross was born with disabilities; however, he always made the best of his challenges. Ross was pure of heart. He was born with beautiful blue eyes, like his sweet mother. He was named after his mother’s brother Ross who died in World War ll. Ross graduated from Granite High School and attended Salt Lake Technical College. Ross always had a job. He spent many years working at the University of Utah as a janitor. He also worked at Wal-Mart and Smith Foods. His employers always praise his kindness and hard work.

When it came to sports, Ross was always cheering for the University of Utah teams and the Utah Jazz. He always loved to watch Smack Down Boxing on Friday nights with Greg.

When Ross’s parents passed away he joined a great organization called New Hats/Self Determination and later Latitude. It was a group that provided assistance and opportunities for adults with mild to moderate disabilities, making them more self-sufficient. They worked on their social skills, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and were provided fun activities including travel etc. They would pair them up to live in condominiums or apartments and share costs. Ross flourished in this environment. He made many friends over the years. This program is where he met his best longtime friend Greg Ernst. They lived together for over 30 years; helping care of each other along the way.

Ross and Greg loved to go out to eat from McDonald’s – to Jim’s Café.’  They also enjoyed going to the movies and relaxing at home with great DVD’s. He enjoyed a great cup of coffee or Java( always black).

Ross delighted in drinking various kinds of hot/cold tea, Coca-cola (with real sugar) and enjoying a big Hersey Chocolate Bar.

Ross and Greg were always saving money to plan a bus trip to Wendover to jingle the slot machines. They loved the food, the gambling, and pretty ladies.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mountain View Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries 3115 East 7800 South (Bengal Boulevard) Cottonwood Heights, Utah on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Viewing prior at 10:00 – 10:45 AM.

Interment: Mountain View Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries to follow.

Special Thanks to all his nurses and aides at Alta Ridge Memory Care who lovingly cared for him this last year.