By Randall Dewees
Ross was born in Fresno, California, to Ida Lacy and Claude Dewees. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fresno in 1954. In 1955, he married Carol Elaine Hodson. They had two sons, Randel and Branan. Ross and Carol separated in 1964, and Ross moved to American Samoa, where he worked various jobs and enjoyed painting scenes of Tutuila—some of which he sold to tourists from visiting cruise ships.
Later, he met and married Manu’a Tafau from Ofu, American Samoa. They had two children, Brian and Tanya, who now live in Alaska and California, respectively.
Ross and Manu’a spent some time on the U.S. mainland before their children were born. They returned to Tutuila, American Samoa, in the late 1960s and built the Malaeimi Hotel in the early 1970s with the help of mainland and local investors. Ross and Manu’a were the first managers of the hotel. Later, they started the Fashion House clothing store in Fagatogo, located above Helga’s Beauty Parlor. The store’s success led them to lease the old Burns Philp furniture building nearby and expand their operations. The expanded store was named “R and M Fashions.”
Ross and Manu’a also provided clothing for KVZK news anchors, who mentioned the store during broadcasts—an informal way to gain exposure, as government media sources couldn’t officially advertise.
After some time, Ross and Manu’a moved back to the mainland and eventually separated. Manu’a later returned to Tutuila, then moved back to the mainland and now lives with Tanya and her family in San Diego, California.
Ross remarried in the mid-1980s, this time to Nancy Barnard, and they were together until his passing. They enjoyed life together in their beautiful home overlooking the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where Nancy still resides. It was a place filled with ocean breezes, barbecues on the balcony, and spectacular views.
Dad loved food, fun, firecrackers, art, and working with his hands. Most of all, he loved his family—and we love him. It’s hard to imagine life without him here, because he’s always been here. It won’t be the same without him.
He lived for 89 years—about 32,500 days—and he had a great time!
Photo: Ross Harold Dewees with Roy Hall on his boat, circa 1970″s/PC: Roy Hall
