JOHN ROSS HURST

John Ross Hurst 1942 ~ 2010 John Ross Hurst, 67 passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010, in St. George, Utah.He was born August 29, 1942, in Provo, Utah, to Beth Bruhn Hurst and John Tippitts Hurst. He married Julia Ann Terry on September 18, 1965, in the St. George Temple. Ross spent his formative years in Panguitch, Utah, after which he moved to St George, with his family. They opened Hurst Variety on the corner of Tabernacle and Main St. He enjoyed his high school years and became known for his dark glasses, his rock and roll piano and southpaw pitching arm. After graduating from High School he attended Dixie College and worked summers at Bryce Canyon Park. He loved the parks of Southern Utah and explored them throughout his life. Ross served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was called to the West Central States Mission. He loved his mission president Grant Wooley and developed a deep love and knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This experience changed the course of his life. He returned and met his eternal sweetheart on the day of his arrival home from his mission. After graduating from the "U", Ross and Julie eventually moved home to "Dixie" in 1968, where he worked with his mom, Beth Hurst at the corner variety store. This began his passion for retail. Hurst Ace Hardware has grown to a small chain of five Ace Hardware stores. Ross was unapologetic of being one of the few democrats in Washington County. Ross loved Dixie and served faithfully in the community in various positions. Ross loved playing the piano and singing with his family. He and his Mom played duets throughout his life. Ross loved to travel and he and Julie experienced many cultures and countries together. He loved golfing with friends and family, fishing anywhere in Garfield County, and discussing the gospel and politics with friends and family. Ross loved life and all it had to offer. His greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren, wife Julie and the gospel. Ross is survived by his wife Julia Hurst of St George, UT; and his six children, Robin Faldmo (David Faldmo), Sioux City, IA, Jason Ross Hurst (Nicole Carter Hurst), St George, Jared Ross Hurst, St George, Justin Ross Hurst (Amanda Meeks Hurst), Rebecca Campbell (Patrick Campbell), Salt Lake City, Suzanne Stewart (Jeremy Stewart), Washington D.C.; and seven grandsons and six granddaughters with one on the way. Ross was preceded in death by his mother and father Beth Bruhn Hurst and John Tippitts Hurst. The family would like to thank all the dedicated and skilled staff at the Dixie Regional Medical Center who worked so hard on behalf of our beloved father and husband. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 19, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Red Hills Chapel, 200 W. 500 N., St. George. Friends may call Friday, June 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., and also Saturday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to services at the Red Hills Chapel. Interment will take place at the Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George, UT, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Ross's guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com