Robert Ross Ray
Robert Ross Ray
November 6th, 1975 – November 1st, 2024
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Robert Ross Ray for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. It was an honor to help Robert’s family pay tribute to his life well-lived and well-loved. Loving sentiments were shared by Robert’s wife, children, son-in-law, and brother, and a heartfelt poem was shared by his daughter-in-law-to-be. Robert will be dearly missed by many.
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All of us gather here today with broken hearts because Robert is no longer a physical presence in our lives. We have a powerful sense of loss. Where we are experiencing his loss- a missing piece- Robert is experiencing completeness- wholeness. May you know in your hearts that Robert’s journey is complete, he is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. He is reunited with all the loved ones he had been missing including his mother Jeannie, his Uncle Don, and his aunt-in-law Rose. He is surrounded by love.
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Robert met his dear Beth at UW LaCrosse in 1995. On October 9th, 1999, they united in marriage, and they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. They marked this milestone of the love-filled life they built together by touring all over Greece and Turkey.
Robert and Beth welcomed two children into the world, Emma in 2001 and Alex in 2002. Family meant everything to Robert, and he was a thoroughly involved dad. He coached Emma’s softball team, he embraced travelling, did woodworking and sketching, fished and hunted, and was a supportive, genuine, fun, and funny role model to his children and nieces and nephews.
Robert had the gift of sarcasm that could overcome any situation. His comedic timing was always on point. Son, Alex said that dad even made getting hurt feel better with his jokes and laughter.
Robert loved to cook because he loved to eat. He was the handyman who could fix anything, the guy who could outsmart any problem, and the intelligent soul who knew that laughter was the best tool in any kit.
Robert had a successful career in sales because he understood people and the value of building friendships. His work was not just a job; it was a testament to his ability to have a conversation with anyone about literally anything.
One of Robert’s talents was drawing eagles. He even crafted some pallets into an eagle. 2 days after he passed, the whole family gathered at home, watching the Packer game, witnessed a giant bald eagle- never before seen in the yard- fly directly toward the window as if its intent was to make his presence known to everyone in the room. The biggest, baddest Americana predator, flying with intensity directly to the family! With the awe-inspiring comfort of this sign, the family is assured that Robert is most definitely watching over them.
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Robert was just 5 days shy of celebrating his 49th birthday. It does feel like Robert’s 48 years went by way too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, it is an absolute blessing to have had Robert present on this earth for almost 5 decades. His time here and his time spent with each of you was a precious gift. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Robert’s and that you were blessed to know him. Embrace and share with others the qualities of Robert that you love and miss so much. Cheer on Wisconsin sports teams, take the time to go fishing, tell a joke, be a good friend, and remember Robert.
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Robert will be forever missed by his loving wife Beth, his children Alex and Emma, his son-in-law Ryan, his daughter-in-law-to-be Sara, his brother James and his family, and many other dear family members and friends.
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Robert, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly