Ross Persing Chiles

Ross Pershing Chiles, M.D. Ross Pershing Chiles died on March 23, 2011 at the age of 71, in Austin, TX. He was born September 7, 1939, to Mabel Lee Pershing Chiles and Albert Byron Chiles, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1957. He attended South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota. Ross received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1964. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society and did his internship and residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology at Ohio State University. He married Sharon Kathleen Zumm, his high school sweetheart, in 1962. They had two daughters, Bethany Kristin, and Lesley Anne, in Columbus, Ohio. Then, while in the Air Force, the family was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1972, Ross joined the Austin Diagnostic Clinic where he worked for 35 years. He was a member of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church where he was a Stephen Minister, sang in the church choir, and played the hand bells. He loved music and sang with the Texas Choral Consort from its beginning. Ross was an avid supporter of the arts, particularly the Austin Symphony and Ballet Austin. He was a Knight of the Symphony and served on the board of Ballet Austin for several years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jay Lee Chiles. He is survived by his wife, Sharie, of 48 years, and his daughters and their families; Bethany Chiles Gonzales and husband David of Austin, and Lesley Chiles Welch and husband Rusty of Cedar Park. He is also survived by grandchildren Brooks and Kendall Gonzales, and Kaleigh and Brady Welch. His grandchildren were the light of his life and his favorite times were spent traveling with his family. The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Hospice Austin, and the countless friends that have supported Ross and his family. He is most remembered for his sense of humor, his integrity, and his joy of life! A memorial service will be held at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Drive, on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, Ballet Austin, Texas Choral Consort, or the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com