Painting a Life Full of Color and Community at Sierra Winds
When you meet Ross, you can’t help but be inspired by his story. It’s a story painted with vivid experiences, meaningful connections, and a love for life that still shines brightly at nearly 96 years old. A gifted artist and proud Air Force veteran, Ross brings creativity, charm, and a welcoming spirit to the Sierra Winds family.
From Pennsylvania to the Southwest
Ross grew up in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where his passion for art blossomed early. As a teenager, he’d hop on two streetcars and a bus every Saturday just to take painting classes at Carnegie (Mellon) Tech (School of Art). That love for art has never left him. He even met the love of his life on a blind date while at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his business degree.
After graduation, Ross served his country as a First Lieutenant and top-secret control officer at an Air Force base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was an experience that instilled in him a sense of discipline and purpose.
A Career in Color
Following his service, Ross returned to Pittsburgh and earned his master’s degree before diving into a career in the paint and coatings industry. He climbed the ladder, starting in advertising, then on to sales and marketing and finally publishing, eventually joining the international Color Marketing Group, where he became known for predicting home décor trends years in advance. Yes, Ross helped bring the iconic avocado green and harvest gold into American homes!
Art, Family, and a Love of the Desert Sun
Through it all, Ross kept painting, and still does nearly every morning, crafting breathtaking southwestern landscapes and still life portraits that have sold for thousands in Scottsdale galleries. The first thing Ross does when entering the Art Room to paint is to turn on his CD player and insert his favorite recording, “America’s 25 Favorite Hymns.” While “How great Thou Art” is playing, he is now ready to paint. His love of the desert also inspired him and his wife to settle in Arizona nearly 30 years ago, leaving behind the bitter cold for the warmth of Sun City West and now Peoria.
With three sons, numerous grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren, Ross’s family continues to bring joy to his life, though he’s also found another family here at Sierra Winds.
At Home At Sierra Winds
When it came time to choose a senior living community, Ross did his homework. He and his wife visited every option in West and Northwest Phoenix, comparing prices, amenities, and atmospheres. “Sierra Winds stood out more than any other one,” he recalls. And for the past 15 years, it’s been home.
“The people here are like family,” Ross says. “We laugh, we share meals, we truly care about each other. And when my wife needed care that I couldn’t provide at home anymore, they were there for us with kindness and compassion.”
One of Ross’s favorite stories comes from the time his wife was in long-term care housing at Sierra Winds. Every morning, he would wake early and bring her coffee from his room to hers. But one morning, he overslept, only to wake to her voice calling him, though he was still in bed. Rushing to her room, he found her waiting with a smile, teasing, “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you!” It’s a memory he treasures, one that speaks to the love they shared and the comfort they both found here.
Living Life Fully at Sierra Winds
Ross doesn’t just live at Sierra Winds; he helps make it a more beautiful place. He has served on the marketing committee, lent his creative touch to community window displays, and continues to stay active in meetings and events. “Sierra Winds has impacted my life, my health, my happiness, all of it,” he says. “This is home.”
At Sierra Winds, residents like Ross find friendship and a vibrant life filled with purpose. Schedule your visit today and feel the difference for yourself.