Evan (Ray) Roberts

Evan Raphael (Ray) Roberts passed away at his home in Ontario, Oregon on July 11, 2022 at the age of 85. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning. Pastor LeAnn Robine will officiate. The family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Inurnment will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery in rural Adams County, Iowa with Military Honors. Following burial, a luncheon will be held at the home of Glen and Mary Lou Roberts, 1923 125th Street, Corning, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memories and condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Ray was born in Corning, Iowa on December 13, 1936 to Eldon and Twylla Roberts. He was the eldest of 5 children and his father supported the family by farming while he was growing up. He graduated from Corning High School in 1955 and enlisted in the Navy shortly afterwards. He was an Aviation Electronics Technician and rose to the rank of Senior Chief. He served 20 years in the Navy and was stationed mainly in California and Washington. He made several cruises while in the Navy, and traveled extensively in the western Pacific.

He met Jean (Jan) Marie Achziger in California and they were married in 1958. They had two daughters, Karen and Pam.

He retired from the Navy in 1976 and began his second career with the US Forest Service as a Telecommunication Specialist, primarily in eastern Oregon and Montana. He retired from the Forest Service in 1997 and he and Jan moved to Ontario, Oregon where they lived until his death.

He was a skilled carpenter and built several outbuildings on his various properties, including an addition to his house. He enjoyed shooting and won many trophies as a member of the Navy Rifle and Pistol Team. He loved the outdoors and his passion was hunting, especially bird hunting. He hunted at every opportunity, often traveling back to Iowa to hunt with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Jan, daughter Pam, sister Rita, brothers Allen and Arch, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, parents Eldon and Twylla, and sister Arleeta.