Albert Ross Horsley

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Albert Ross Horsley, former sheriff of Carbon County, passed away on May 23, 2014 at the age of 91. He was born in Price, Utah to Albert Ensign and Sylvia Mae Zufelt Horsley on Nov. 16, 1922. His pioneer ancestors were among the first to settle along the Price River banks in the late 1800s. They leveled the ground, built homes, and dug the irrigation canals which are still in use today. He will be laid to rest near them in the old Price City Cemetery.
Ross began a lifetime of hard work at a very early age. As a child he farmed and milked cows with his dad, and delivered milk and sold produce from his wagon with his older sister. He continually looked for ways to earn money to help his family, and buy the things he wanted. He carried newspapers, and swept classrooms in the old Central School. At the age of 15, when work was begun on Carbon College (now USU Eastern) he got a full-time summer job unloading bricks and bags of cement, mixing the cement, and wheel-barrowing it to bricklayers. He was a driver and handyman for a local doctor. He helped put in power lines to Horse Canyon.
Ross played tennis and basketball in high school. He was also in the band, playing his pioneer grandfather’s piccolo. After high school Ross took a civil service job as an airplane mechanic, training at USU in Logan, and then going to Hill Field near Ogden. In 1944 he joined the US Army Air Corps as a propeller specialist and instructor, and later a flight engineer. He achieved the rank of sergeant, and was based in Tennessee until the end of WW II.
In 1945 Ross married Thelma Evelyn Stone in International Falls, Minn. They had met while working at Hill Field. This marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS temple. After the war they settled in Price and raised two children, Kathleen (Kitty) and Douglas. For several years Ross co-owned and operated the Price Taxi Company. He later picked up and delivered clothing for Quality Dry Cleaners. He drove school buses for the Carbon School District and spent many years as a volunteer on the Price Fire Department. He worked security for the local movie theaters. Ross served many years as secretary, and then president of the Pioneer #1 Ditch Company. He was a long time member of the Price Elks Lodge. In 1960 Ross embarked on a career that became the love of his life. He joined the Price City Police Department, serving the public for 18 years. He was the defensive driving instructor for the Juvenile Traffic Courts. In 1978 his career was capped when he was elected Sheriff of Carbon County and re-elected in 1982. Upon retirement he served several years on the county merit board.
Ross was an avid horseman and found no greater pleasure in life than to be riding his Arabian/Quarter horses. His favorites were those he raised and broke himself. In 1952 he joined the Carbon County Sheriff’s Posse and belonged for more than 60 years, holding the record as the oldest living active member. He served many terms as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and drill master. He had a room full of trophies and ribbons won in barrel racing, pole bending, trailer racing, and other western riding events. He led many search-and-rescue operations for the county.
After retiring, Ross and Thelma became “snowbirds” in Quartzsite, Ariz., giving it up only when Thelma’s health began to fail. They were glad to be home to spend more time with their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They moved into the Heirloom Inn and enjoyed the gracious, carefree lifestyle which they found there. Thelma passed away in 2012. Many thanks go to Shaunna and Kelly for helping make their final years so pleasant. Also to the staff at Parkdale Care Center where Ross spent his final days.
Ross is survived by daughter Kathleen Ann (Ronald) Ford, and son Douglas Ross (Alexis) Horsley. Also grandchildren Kimberly (Scott) Hathaway and sons Zachary and Garret; Ryan (Samantha) Horsley and children Benjamin, Alyssa, James, and Taylor; David (Kimberly) Horsley and children Easton, Mollie, and Sylvia; and Barry (Rebecca) Horsley and children Kaibree, Austin, and Brylie. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
Ross was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sisters Lola (Vyron) Evans, Erma (Edwin Burnside & Harley Corder), and Donna (Kenneth) Davis. Also brothers-in-law Arnold, Selvin, and Floyd Stone.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 2, 2014 at 9 a.m. at Price City Cemetery. A viewing for Ross was held on Sunday, June 1, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Fausett Mortuary (680 E. 100 S.,Price) followed by a short service for family and close friends. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Ross at www.fausettmortuary.com.