Horace E. Ross

Dr. Horace Edward Ross, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2024 at the age of 84. Born on July 3, 1940, in Dougherty, Oklahoma, Horace Ross was the beloved son of William Grant and Mary Lou Ross who raised him and his four siblings in Carlsbad, NM. Ross graduated from Carlsbad High School and earned a football scholarship to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. After two years, he transferred to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, to complete his pre-dental requirements. He graduated from Baylor and was accepted into Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska, earning his DDS degree in 1967. Following graduation, Dr. Ross served his country as Lieutenant Horace E. Ross in the United States Navy, beginning his tour at the Philadelphia Naval Yard Dental Clinic. While there, he received this honor: "A Letter of Commendation was given to Lt Horace Ross by Rear Admiral Robert H Speck, Commander, Fourth Naval District in May 1967 for exemplary service while serving as a dentist at the Naval Base Philadelphia Naval Shipyard". Lt Ross then transferred to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to complete his active duty, serving with oral surgeon Army Col Clehammer, under whose tutelage he learned many surgical techniques, among which were how to wire broken jaws, and how to quickly and safely remove impacted wisdom teeth. At the invitation of his high school football buddy, Dr. James R. Ray, M.D., who was practicing medicine in Hobbs, NM, Dr. Ross moved to Hobbs where he began practicing dentistry in the Norte Vista Medical Center, now American Medical Group. Later, he and Dr. Lynn Shaw established their shared dental office just north of Norte Vista Medical Center. In 1983, Dr. Ross built his own office at 3208 N. Grimes, where he practiced until his retirement in 2008. Dr. Ross had a passion for continuing education, and very much enjoyed both cosmetic dentistry, and dental surgery, often placing dental implants. He was dedicated to providing his patients with beautiful and healthy smiles. He was the first New Mexico dentist to be credentialed by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, was Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, member of the. International Congress of Oral Implantology, as well as various other dental associations including the American Dental Association, the NM Dental Association, and the Eastern NM Dental Association. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Ross was a private pilot for several years who enjoyed flying his family to different fun places in NM and Texas. The family loved trips by SUV to several snow ski areas in New Mexico and Colorado. He and his wife Kathleen were involved with the Kairos Prison Ministry for many years, in several NM and Texas locations, getting to see some of God's miracles along the way. He and his wife, Kathleen and his family were very involved in the Rotary International Student Exchange Program, hosting many students in their home and coordinating with local families to provide homes for two students per year for several years. Dr. Ross served as the Hobbs Rotary Student Exchange Officer, and as Chairman of the NM Rotary District #5520 International Student Exchange Program for several years. Their son Brian was a Rotary International Exchange Student, after graduating from Hobbs High School, to Wels, Austria; his son Derek was also a Rotary International Exchange Student and was hosted in Vienna, Austria. A life-long learner and educator, Dr. Ross and his wife Kathleen traveled extensively to Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Egypt. He had the opportunity to share with dental professionals in Vienna, Austria, and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Mary Lou Ross, his sister, Sharon Kay Ross Ingram, his brother, Ronald Grant Ross, and his son, William Brian Ross. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Spruill Ross, his daughter, Lisa Camille Ross Patterson (Rick), Adrienne Lee Ross Menichini (Gary), his son, Derek Clayton Ross, his sister, Carolyn Ann Ross Vaughn, and his brother Kenneth William Ross (Janet), 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Dr. Horace Edward Ross leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, community service, and global outreach, He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous Christian spirit and the lasting impact he made on his patients, family and in the community. His life was a testament to dedication, kindness, and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital, but especially those on the Third Floor, for their wonderful "caring care" for their much-loved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend.