Ralph Slusher, DVM

Ralph Slusher, DVM

Diplomate 1969

1924-2013

Dr. Ralph Slusher of Scottsdale, Arizona, died on Good Friday, March 29, 2013. He was born on January 24, 1924 in London, Kentucky, to Feeling and Cora (Poff) Slusher. Ralph had four brothers and two sisters of whom one sister, Nancy, survives.

Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Arkansas as well as on the U.S.S. New Jersey. On his discharge from the Navy, he completed his high school education in Miamisburg, Ohio, before enrolling at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, where he finished his degree in veterinary medicine in 1954. Also, in 1954 he wed Marybelle Schick, who preceded him in death. After practicing as a veterinarian in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Mason, Ohio, Ralph returned to Ohio State and earned a Masters in Radiology. Following the completion of his Masters, he taught at Ohio State; Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and the University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois. He was board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1969.

In 1971 Ralph moved to Phoenix where he soon established Biltmore Veterinary Services in which he maintained his veterinary practice until he closed the clinic in 2008. For a number of years, he did radiological work for the Phoenix Zoo and served on the Zoo Board. Ralph was an active member of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and promoted professionalism in everything he did. He had an abiding passion for America and took pride in his military service.

He is survived by his wife Betty; a son Michael, Melbourne, Australia; a daughter Melinda Stutts, Oxford, Ohio; grandchildren; and great-children.

Adapted from an article published in the Arizona Republic on Apr. 10, 2013.