What would you do if you had only a month to live?
Dennis Ross, beloved “Darlin’”, dear brother and friend, land steward, community mental health counselor and advocate, actor, firefighter, hunter, and shepherd had the opportunity to live that very question — consciously, deliberately and lovingly — when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor the day after Christmas. He opted not to pursue invasive treatments, choosing instead to live fully into the time that was afforded to him. Dennis died peacefully at home on January 30, 2026, with his wife and best friend, Angella, holding his hand.
Dennis lived his final days with an awakened gratitude; a peaceful acceptance and a full embrace of a life well lived. That life included a loving marriage of more than 20 years to Angella, with whom he helped create their sun-powered home on “Happiness Hill” in Marshfield. Together, they shared a Buddhist path with deep and joyful connections to the land; tending vegetable and herb gardens; raising sheep, chickens and bees; and nurturing defining friendships and a loving community. Dennis often sat quietly in the forest listening to the birds and observing the world around him — he had special names and greetings for all of his wild friends. A playfulness and quiet wisdom marked his way of being.
Dennis was born on November 3, 1952, to parents Gerald and Alice Ross, and raised in Whitehall, N.Y. He was the middle child of five, including Victor, Gerald, Chris and Mary Ellen. Dennis spent his childhood exploring the woods, riding bikes with friends, playing pick-up games at the schoolyard, and hunting and fishing with his dad. On Sundays, he served as an altar boy at the Catholic church. At Whitehall High School (class of 1970), Dennis played the trumpet, joined the football team and was the junior class president. His early days shaped his lifelong practice of service to the community.
After high school, Dennis attended classes at a local community college, got involved with community theater, and explored life while working in manufacturing, farm management and social services. In the social and political tumult of the 1970s, Dennis developed interests in homesteading, peace activism and working with people who needed help. He eventually moved to Plainfield, Vt., to enroll in Goddard’s Experimental Program in Further Education (GEPFE), an innovative course of studies which was eventually sold to Norwich University. His studies in mental health care and recovery practices focused on advocacy, leveraging individuals’ strengths and fostering supported employment opportunities.
Dennis earned a BA from Vermont College of Norwich University in 1984 and a MEd from the University of Vermont in 1987, with a focus on special education and social services. His 40-year career as a dedicated community mental health counselor and advocate included work with the Clara Martin Center, VA Medical Center, Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Central Vermont Council on Aging and the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital.
From the early ’80s until 2003, when he moved to Marshfield to join Angella, Dennis was an active member of the West Newbury community. He was previously married to farmer and riding instructor Annie Rossier and for 18 years served as a firefighter — and later chief — with the West Newbury Fire Department.
Despite — or perhaps because of — his catastrophic diagnosis, in his last weeks Dennis took a special interest in planning his own transition and services. Following his wishes, friends Will and Karen built him a white pine casket, and he chose the place in the sheep pasture near a special birch tree where he wanted to be buried. On the first day of February, marked by the full snow moon, close friends and family lined his casket with a bed of “rowan” (soft second-cut hay) and — leaning into the biting wind — carried him to the pasture through three feet of snow. The gathered community then joined hands and sang him into the Earth; his final chosen resting place.
What would you do if you had only a month to live?
Dennis might suggest that you get a jump on that question now! Live large, love deeply, help people, care for the Earth and your community, hold your dear ones close, consider your legacy, and — in the end — find both the celebration and peace that comes with a life well lived.
Dennis is survived by his beloved “Darlin’” and wife, Angella Gibbons of Marshfield, Vt.; and brothers Gerald Ross (Patty) of Argyle, N.Y., and Chris Ross of Whitehall, N.Y. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Grace and David Ross and Jenny and Joel Küster, as well as many loving friends and community members. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Alice (Doyle) Ross; oldest brother, Victor Ross; sister-in-law Mary Anne Ross; and sister, Mary Ellen Küster.
Angella would like to thank all of those who helped and supported her and Dennis through the last weeks of his life, including the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice team; Anne-Marie Keppel, their local death doula; and, of course, their beloved community of friends and family!
Planning is under way for a spring gathering to celebrate Dennis’ life and connection to community and the land; details will follow. Dennis asked that those who wish to honor his life with a financial contribution direct those resources to EarthWalk Together, a 501c3 with the mission: “to inspire, mentor and grow caring learning communities rooted in nature, in service to and with a love for, children and this earth.” Visit earthwalktogethervt.org or mail a check to PO Box 123, Marshfield, VT O5658.