Ross Gordon Smith

Ross Gordon Smith, Sr. died Saturday evening, August 2, 2014 at Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Arizona following a sudden illness. He was 73 years old. Ross was born September 26, 1940 in Hillsdale, Bergen County, New Jersey to his parents, the late John T. and Minna (Aros) Smith. While still a toddler, Ross moved with his family from his native New Jersey to Arizona, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was a 1958 graduate from Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona. On April 12, 1961, Ross married the former Norma Irene Strohman. The couple most recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary together. He volunteered for the Police Reserve in Phoenix for 5 years in the early 1960's. For 34 years, Ross worked for California Portland Cement in Rillito, Arizona. There he was given the nickname "Smitty" and everyone at the plant affectionately called him that. It made him smile. He retired from California Portland Cement as an Assistant Plant Chemist. Following his retirement, Ross and Norma moved to the White Mountains making Show Low their home. He was an active member of the White Mountain United Methodist Church in Show Low and served faithfully as one of its ushers; always welcoming his church family with a warm and inviting hug. They, as a church family, will miss his hugs. Never one to be idle, Ross found ways to productively spend his time. In his younger years he served as a Cub Scout Den Leader & also a Little League Coach. He gave countless hours of service running the White Mountain Community Food Bank for many years. Ross also found great pleasure in bowling and spent many happy hours at the Ponderosa Bowling Lanes. In his spare time, Ross loved woodworking and even built some pieces of furniture. Too, he was able to do most of the carpentry work on his Show Low home. He is especially known for his "Intarsia" which is the wall art that he made from wood. His pieces adorn the walls of many of his family and friends and are now considered to be priceless treasures by them. Ross is survived by his wife, Norma Irene Smith of Show Low, Arizona; 2 sons: Ross (Tammy) Smith, Jr. of Tucson, Arizona, Russell Smith of Show Low, Arizona; 2 grandchildren: Samantha "Sam" (Jason) Shreve of Tucson, Arizona, Ryan Smith of Tucson, Arizona; 3 great-grandchildren: Brenden Shreve, Hayden Schreve, Landen Shreve; 1 brother, John T. Smith of Tucson, Arizona and a sister, Nancy (Lee) Gay of Demming, New Mexico. Along with his parents, Ross was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Errol Smith and James Smith. A special memorial service for Ross will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the White Mountain United Methodist Church, 261 N. 5th Street in Show Low, Arizona. Memorial contributions, in his name, to the White Mountain Community Food Bank: P.O. Box 805 Lakeside, Arizona 85929 have been suggested by his family.