Ralph Roberts Obituary

Ralph Edward Roberts
December 14, 1944 – July 8, 2025
Let me tell you about Ralph.
Born in Milton, Massachusetts, and raised in Braintree, Ralph was the kind of person you never forgot once you met him. He had a quick smile, a sharp sense of humor, and a generosity that ran deep. He grew up with a love for movement-he was a gymnast at Braintree High School-and even then, there was something about him that felt larger than life.
At just 19, Ralph enlisted in the United States Air Force (1964), where he would go on to serve for 20 years as a jet engine technician. He earned the rank of Master Sergeant and was honored with multiple service and commendation medals over his career. He never boasted, but he carried that pride in quiet ways-through his work ethic, his loyalty, and the way he showed up for people.
After retiring from the military, Ralph kept his hands and his mind busy. He loved fixing watches-tiny, intricate puzzles that he had the patience and precision for. Photography became a deep passion of his, and not just a hobby-he had a true eye for it, even winning accolades for his work. He loved the outdoors: hiking, fishing, taking in the silence of nature. He loved sports, and he really loved Roy Orbison. He'd play those songs with a twinkle in his eye, like they were written just for him.
More than anything, Ralph loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Lana K. Roberts. A proud father to his daughters-Mary (and her husband James), Jamie (and her husband Mark), and Venus (and her husband Brandon). He welcomed Perry Uber, his stepson, into his heart as his own. He was a cherished brother to Deborah Schafer and David Schafer. A loving grandfather to 10, and a great-grandfather to 9.
To know Ralph was to know steadiness. Humor. Strength. Kindness. He had a way of making you feel like everything was going to be okay, just by being in the room.
Ralph passed away on July 8, 2025, in Payson, Arizona. He was 80 years old.
His funeral will be held on July 27th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Messinger Payson Funeral Home
901 S Westerly Rd, Payson, AZ 85541
Flowers may be sent to the funeral home in his honor.
He will be laid to rest with full military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
(Military Honors will be given at Funeral Service at Messing Payson Funeral Home)
on July 28th at 9:30 a.m.
2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024
(Please check the digital marquis for the committal shelter location.)
We'll miss his stories, his laughter, the quiet wisdom he shared so freely, and that gentle strength we leaned on more than we realized. But his legacy lives on-in all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by him. We love you, Ralph, Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa.