Ralph Rogers

Ralph “Ross” Rogers passed March 18th, 2021 in Tucson Arizona after a brief illness. He was born December 10th, 1935 in Oakland California, the son of Mildred Ethel Betten and Ralph Beach Rogers.

Ross was a business man and an entrepreneur from an early age. In 1944 at the age of 9 he founded the “Thompson News," a weekly newspaper about neighborhood events, and stories of service men from the war. He paid his reporters one cent per story and sold advertising to local businesses. He acquired his first paying job after placing an ad in the local newspaper, “15 year old boy looking for summer job working in store," from there his career in sales began.

Ross graduated from Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, California in 1953. He went on to attend the College of Marin, and ultimately received his bachelor’s degree from College of the Pacific in Stockton California. Upon graduation he accepted a position with The Emporium in San Francisco. It was here he met his wife of 63 years Marjorie Little. They started a family and he rose through the ranks to become a furniture buyer for the Emporium and later Capwell’s. As a buyer he got his first opportunity to travel abroad, and the travel bug began. He and Marjorie would continue to travel all over the world well into their retirement years.

In 1974 Ross took a position as a furniture sales rep and moved his family to Banks, Oregon. Here on a large lot he could really pursue his deep love of gardening, sparked in him by his father, and passed down to his family. He even had the time to open his own furniture store.

In 1993 he relocated to Saddlebrook, Arizona to relax and enjoy retirement. They were very happy in this vibrant community with new friends, parties, travel, hiking, backpacking and golfing. He had the time to indulge in all the things he loved.

Ross is survived by his wife Marjorie, children Steven John, Gary Ross, Mark Ralph and Nancy Elizabeth. He was so proud of his grandchildren Keira, Karsen, Madeline, Audrey, and the newest addition, 10 month old great grandson Andrew. I don’t think anyone is missing him more than his beloved dog, “Jack Arthur the All-American Boy, born on the 4th of July." That was one loved dog.

Ross will be remembered as a man who had the loudest laugh in the room, a wry sense of humor, wit and the biggest ears that he gifted to all of his children and grandchildren. We all loved you dad and you will be always in our hearts. It was truly a great 85 years well lived.