Ross Lee Crist
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Ross Lee Crist, 64, Sioux Falls, S.D., died quietly July 16, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation and a scripture were Sunday at the Church of St. Michael Catholic Church, Sioux Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial was July 20 at the Church of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Heritage Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements
Because of Covid-19 family and friends were requested to wear masks while attending the visitation and service.
Ross Lee Crist was born Nov. 27, 1955, in Scottsbluff, to Max and Marge (Catland) Crist. After growing up in Scottsbluff and graduating from high school, Ross attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 1981. Ross married Lisa Miller Jan. 6, 1979, in Hartington, and following their marriage they lived in Lincoln. Ross practiced general dentistry for nine years in Torrington, Wyo., and in 1990, Dr. Crist returned to UNMC/COD as the Post-Graduated Residency Director of Advanced Education in General Dentistry and was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnosis, Pathology and Radiology for three years. Concomitantly, he completed his master of arts degree in business and organizational management at Bellevue University, Omaha, in 1992. He then completed three years of specialty training in Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics at West Virginia University, receiving the specialty certificate and master of science Degree in 1996.
Dr. Crist has received awards for professional service, academic distinction and teaching. He has authored research publications, textbook chapters and has presented research at state, national and in international meetings.
His professional associations include the American Association of Orthodontics, American Board of Orthodontics and American Dental Association while also being a past board member and past president of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists along with serving as a MSO representative of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Orthodontist Foundation.
Shortly before his death Ross received the prestigious “The Earl B. Shepherd” Distinguished Service award for his exceptional contributions to the art and science of orthodontics presented by the American Association of Orthodontics.
In 1996, Ross established Crist Orthodontics in Sioux Falls, S.D., and through the years expanded in to multiple facilities, including an office in Yankton. But regardless of all his professional accomplishments, Ross was first and foremost committed to his wife and family. His interest in their lives and his pride and deep love for them was reflected in all that he did. Coming in a close second was his love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the tailgating he and his friends coordinated prior to all Husker home games, an event shared by his entire family. Golf also occupied a portion of Ross’ time but his special remembrance was when he and Lisa traveled to Scotland and played on their legendary courses.
For the past three years Ross has battled cancer but did so with a strength and determination few have witnessed along with a greater concern for his family and those around him than himself.
Surviving are his wife, Lisa Crist, Sioux Falls, S.D.; two sons, Jace (Whitney) Crist and their children, Maylin and Brockdan, Bennington; and Austin (Sarah) Crist and their children, Teegan and Hannah, Sioux Falls, S.D.; four brothers, Ray (Pat) Crist, Colorado; Paul (Chris) Crist, Ohio; Bruce (Sue) Crist, Georgia; and Mark (Trish) Crist, Nebraska; and a sister, Sally (Dave) Seier, Colorado.
Preceding Ross in death were his parents.