Obituary: Ross Hall Pettigrew

Ross Hall Pettigrew

Ross Hall Pettigrew

Ross Hall Pettigrew, 69, passed away Dec. 17, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz. He was born on April 8, 1944, in Prescott to Homer and Ada Lee (Perner) Pettigrew.

Ross' dependability and upbringing on horse and cattle ranches provided him the unique background that opened an opportunity to "ride herd" at the Meacham Ranch in Colorado as a young teenager. After his college years of veterinary studies at Sul Ross, Texas, Ross was employed as head cattle and hog buyer at the Cudahy Meat Packing Plant in Phoenix. His love of the cowboy way of life and his exceptional skill and ability earned him numerous championships throughout the United States in the steer-wrestling (bulldogging) event as a PRCA rodeo cowboy.

He went on to manage a champion quarter horse breeding farm in Phoenix, and was foreman and trainer at a championship racehorse facility in Coyote Springs. As a quarter horse and thoroughbred racehorse breeder and trainer, he earned countless "finish line" purses for his owners at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Prescott Downs, Rillito Downs in Tucson, and various other fair meets throughout Arizona.

As "age and aches" began to take their toll, with the guidance of his brother, Cotton, he mastered the skills of drywalling, and became expert in all areas of handyman skills. His easygoing personality and willingness to

work any and every job needed got the attention of and opened an opportunity for employment at the exclusive Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale. Ross so enjoyed helping others who sought advice and guidance on "cowboy stuff"...riding, ranching, livestock and good ole "horse sense" advice on life's ups and downs. But Ross' life, heart and soul were only fulfilled when, after 40 years, our marriage was blessed and Ross was baptized and received his Sacraments as a child of the Holy Catholic Church by Father Fred Le Claire of St. Catherine LaBoure Catholic Church on October 1, 2011. The path to Eternal Life was then opened. May you rest in peace in GOD'S ARMS, my life, my heart ... my dear and loving husband.

Ross is survived by his loving wife, Frances; brother Cotton Pettigrew; brother and sister-in-law Salvatore and Jacqui Cafiero; aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral service with Rosary will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at St. Catherine LaBoure Roman Catholic Church, 2062 N. Hwy 89, Chino Valley, Ariz., with interment at Chino

Valley Cemetery to follow. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Ross' guestbook.

Information provided by survivors.


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