TYLER, Ross L.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, AZ ~ 06/25/2010 Ross L. Tyler, 75, a 30-year pharmacy owner in Winslow died Saturday, June 19, 2010, at Hospice of the Valley's Dobson Home in Chandler. Entering St. Joseph's Hospital "for tests" on May 20, Ross was found to have a huge, untreatable abdominal sarcoma pressing on a nerve to his right hip and disturbing all of the organs. A Medtronic drug pump was implanted, giving him some final pain-free days. No notable symptoms preceded these events, thus the cancer diagnosis was a great shock to family and friends. He was born on a farm in Central City, Neb. Oct. 15, 1934. His family moved to Colorado when he was 3 years old. Ross graduated Boulder High School (with Doris), and Colorado University with a BS in Pharmacy. During his young school years, the family moved to Oregon and back four times. Ross played football his high school junior year in the Oregon mud. Not his favorite experience. At Boulder High, he was Senior Class President, Governor of Colorado Boys State, and attended Boys Nation where he met President Harry Truman. His pharmacy apprenticeship was fulfilled in Ft. Collins, Colo. Next Ross managed a small drugstore in Midwest, Wyo., a "company town" owned by Standard Oil of Indiana. Along with a soda fountain, the store offered gift wares, bread, milk, and fishing gear and licenses. Two years later the family of four moved to Flagstaff (with 4-year-old Mike in a leg cast and 2-year-old Gayle with the measles), where Ross managed the Babbitt Company's downtown pharmacy and helped to open one in East Flagstaff. Opportunity came in 1962 when Herman Sughrue sold his small corner store in Winslow to Ross. The business and family grew over the next decades, building many happy memories in a friendly, supportive town where we all enjoyed a cosmopolitan population. Ross' Drug operated for nearly 30 years, and he ended his career with Safeway in Show Low. Ross loved his drugstore customers and strived to know everyone by name. He put time and effort into serving the community from the Hospital Board, to NPC Founding Board, to Chamber of Commerce (Man of the Year 1976), Little League, Babe Ruth, and Scouting. He enjoyed it all. He was a 50-year Elks #536 member and a Perpetual Mason. He was awarded the Wyeth Drug Co. Bowl of Hygeia for community service. An adored Grandpa to his 12 grandkids, favorite Uncle to his 6 nieces and nephews, much loved Dad to his own five kids and best boss to dozens of employees over the years, Ross offered infinite leadership and guidance, often accompanied by his playful sense of humor. "His hobbies included fishing, square dancing (taught by John Steele, who left us June 6, 2010), wood working, and ... did we say fishing?" Ross is survived by his wife, Doris, of Show Low; four sons Michael (Cheryl) of Brunswick, Ga., Larry (Reneé) of Mesa, Lowell (Cathie) of Polson, Mont., Paul (Oakley) of Rogersville, Miss.; daughter Gayle of Bozeman, Mont.; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the First Baptist Church in Winslow (viewing at 2 p.m). Graveside services and burial will follow in Boulder, Colo. Tuesday, June 29. Services are provided by Greer's Mortuary. Thanks to all for prayers, phone calls and cards. Condolences can be sent to www.greersmortuary.com