Ross Sterling Hyden

Ross Sterling Hyden, age 94, of Carlsbad, New Mexico passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025 at home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Sunset Church of Christ with Dale Gifford officiating. Interment will follow at the Carlsbad Cemetery in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home.

Ross was born on October 17, 1931 in Luther, Texas to Cecil Herbert Hyden and Ina Dell (McMurray) Hyden. After attending rural elementary schools, Ross attended Big Spring High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. He also attended Howard College. Ross worked at many different jobs including oilfield roustabout and pipeliner. He worked for the Texas Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator, building highways. In late 1955, he found his niche in auto sales working for Truman Jones Motors (Mercury - Lincoln) and Tidwell Chevrolet Company of Big Spring, TX. On July 1, 1960, he was asked by Mr. Tidwell to move to Carlsbad, NM to manage a new car agency selling Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and GMC lines. Eventually Ross bought the agency and named it Ross Hyden Motors. Ross remained in the car business until his retirement.

Ross was a member of the Board of Directors of Carlsbad National Bank for 36 years and resigned from the board on March 19, 2012. He was a member of the Sunset Church of Christ, as well as a life member of the Good Sam's Club, Carlsbad Sportsman Club, Eddy County Sheriff's Posse, and Carlsbad Rotary Club. Ross became a Charter Member of the Eddy County Sheriff's Posse in 1968. In 2018, he was recognized as a 50 year member, making him the longest living member in history of the ECSP. During his membership, he served as president in 1973, followed by his second term as president in 1978. Throughout the years, he held every officer position. Ross enjoyed leading the rodeo parades as parade marshal locally and in neighboring cities.

Ross enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling in his motor home. He also enjoyed international travels. His three most memorable international trips were photographic safari in South Africa, seeing the Great Wall of China, and to Australia where he rode horseback trails in the Snowy River Mountains.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Ida Dell McElroy of Bishop, TX and Imogene Burroughs of Cherokee Village, AR; brothers: C.H., W.M., and J.D. Hyden all of Big Spring, TX; daughter, Nancy Jo Wright of Carlsbad, NM; son, Don Hyden of El Paso, TX; granddaughter Tiffani Wright Gibbs of Simla, CO; son-in-law, Tim Click of Carlsbad, NM; and his former wife and mother of their children, Jo Hyden of Carlsbad, NM.

Ross is survived by his wife, Anzhela of the home; sons: Ron Hyden, Michael Hyden and wife, Peggy of Carlsbad, NM, Todd Hyden and wife, Robyn of Lubbock, TX; daughter, Kimberly Click; son-in-law, David Wright of Carlsbad, NM; stepson, Vyacheslav Prakhov and wife, Jacqueline of Dallas, TX; 10 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, 2 step-granddaughters, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: James Bailey, Ryan Buchanan, Dr. Drew Hyden, MD, Kyle Hyden, Tyler Hyden, Bradley McGinnis and Jared Smith.

If you wish to honor Ross's memory with a donation, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to Sunset Church of Christ, located at 1308 W. Blodgett St., Carlsbad, NM 88220.