Ross Lee Crist

Ross Lee Crist, 64, passed away July 16, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ross Lee Crist was born November 27, 1955 in Scottsbluff, NE the son of 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 (UNMC-COD) where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1981.

On January 6, 1979 Ross was united in marriage to Lisa Miller in Hartington, NE, and following their marriage they lived in Lincoln, NE.

He then practiced general dentistry for nine years in Torrington, WY. 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 in 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 this 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 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 for most 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.   Last Thursday morning Ross died quietly at his home at the age sixty four.

Surviving are his wife, Lisa Crist of Sioux Falls, two sons, Jace (Whitney) Crist and their children Maylin and Brockdan of Bennington, NE and Austin (Sarah) Crist and their children Teegan and Hannah of Sioux Falls. Also surviving are four brothers, Ray (Pat) Crist in Colorado, Paul (Chris) Crist in Ohio, Bruce (Sue) Crist in Georgia and Mark (Trish) Crist in Nebraska along with a sister Sally (Dave) Seier in Colorado.

Preceding Ross in death were his parents.

Because of Covid-19 family and friends are requested to wear masks while attending the visitation and service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, July 20th at the Church of St. Michael in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 1-3 pm with a Scripture Service at 3 pm.

Mr. Crist's Funeral Mass on Monday, July 20, will be live-streamed using Zoom.  Please see the detail below to log on to watch simultaneously as the Mass takes place.