Phoenix-based St. Joseph Outpatient Surgery Center Administrator Iris Ross was shot and killed Dec. 25 by her ex-husband, according to an Oklahoma News 4 report.
Anthony Milan Ross allegedly killed Ms. Ross as she attempted to flee an apartment complex and then entered the apartment and killed the couple's two children.
St. Joseph Outpatient Surgery Center officials released a statement: "We are heartbroken by the loss of this beloved executive and outstanding leader, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of her two young children. Iris was a fabulous person with a huge heart and we are honored to have her as part of our family."
Ms. Ross had overseen the surgery center, which has a 96 percent patient satisfaction rating. The eight-operating room facility includes orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, pain management, gynecology, urology and plastic surgery specialties. A joint venture between local physicians and United Surgical Partners International, the ASC achieved The Joint Commission's accreditation. In her welcome letter on the ASC's website, Ms. Ross wrote:
"If you are one of our patients, I want to provide you a special welcome along with my personal commitment to provide you and your physician with excellence in both the clinical care and experience you have at our facility. Your healthcare team is comprised of highly trained, caring professionals who share my commitment."
Ms. Ross and her husband divorced in June. Mr. Ross was apprehended after a standoff with the police and charged with first degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated assault against an officer as well as one count of discharging a firearm within city limits. Mr. Ross's hearing will be Jan. 3. He is being held without bond until then.