For two years, the Ross family has called Oak Creek their home. Heather and Dustin, along with their daughters Kate and Emma (and Winston the family corgi), liked the amenities Oak Creek had to offer, including access to the pool, the fitness center, and the 

Legacy Trail. “There are lots of kids here for our girls to play with and sidewalks for them to ride their bikes,” says Heather. “It just seemed like a fun neighborhood.”

Heather, originally from Ruston, Louisiana, is a dedicated CRNA at Christus Mother Frances. Dustin, a native of Monette, Arkansas, is a national float paramedic for Air Methods. “We both wanted to help people and we both loved science,” Heather says. “We work with great people and we get to help people during what can be one of the hardest days of their life. It’s very rewarding.” Their passion for helping others and serving in the healthcare field is more than their career; it was the beginning of their love story. They’ve been together for over a decade, but Dustin and Heather met in a pretty unique way. She was a flight nurse and he was a flight paramedic, both for the same company. One fateful day, Dustin arrives at Heather’s work…in a helicopter. After such an entrance, the romance itself was soon taking off.

The Ross family values spending quality time together. They enjoy traveling, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories. They also cherish their family traditions, passing them down to their daughters. Kate, nine, is a fourth grader at Jack Elementary. She likes art, dance, gymnastics and pickleball. Emma will be two in March, likes playing with the big kids, doing anything outside and attends St. Gregory Early Learning Center, where she loves her wonderful teachers. 

The Rosses are avid readers, and Heather is passionate about gardening. The girls love the excitement of Urban Air and the magic of movies, while the whole family enjoys the tranquility of walks on the Legacy Trail and the educational fun of the Discovery Science Place. They appreciate the local arts scene, attending plays and musicals at both schools and the Cowan Center. The neighborhood's friendly atmosphere allows Kate to play freely with other children, and the nearby pool at Tyler Athletic and Swim is a summer favorite. When it comes to dining, they have diverse tastes, ranging from the upscale Grove to the casual charm of food trucks. Date nights often take Dusty and Heather to the Black Pearl or III Palms. The family unites during football season, cheering on their favorite teams, LSU and Arkansas for college (a house divided), and the Kansas City Chiefs. With Dusty's extensive international experience, they aim to expose their daughters to diverse cultures, with upcoming trips to Hawaii and Southeast Asia on the horizon.

Outside of their family fun, the Rosses are also involved in the community in a handful of ways. Since Dustin grew up near Memphis, they support St. Jude, as well as local charities. They attend Marvin Methodist Church and like to support the ministries there, as well as volunteering at Kate’s school. As the Ross family continues to grow and thrive, they remain grateful for their health, their friends and family, and the blessings in their lives. “I think our jobs really reinforce that life is very precious and nothing is promised,” says Heather. “We are just very lucky to have found our home here in Tyler and it has been such a blessing for all of us.” The Rosses also feel lucky to have Heather’s mom, Sherry, living with them, to help with the girls through Dustin and Heather’s busy schedule. When considering their neighborhood, friends, church, and the girl’s school, they feel very supported by the people around them. Their love for each other, their strong faith, and their dedication to their community make them an inspiration to all who know them.