Ray Alfred Roberts

Ray Roberts, passed away at home on Thursday, July 13. His family surrounded him during the last week of his life. Ray was a gentle man much loved by his friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Francina Kooiman Roberts; his sons, Ray Brian (Judi) Roberts and Dirk Glenn (Nan) Roberts; daughter, Raeshel’le Marie Roberts Iams Selvage; sister Vivian Mae Roberts Johnson; sister-in-law Rosa Kooiman Barnhart; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Zella Hoath Roberts; brother-in-law George Johnson; parents-in-law Dirk and Francina Kooi Kooiman; son-in-law, Larry Selvage Jr.; granddaughter, Abigail Christine Iams Moore; brother and sister-in-laws, Agnes Kooiman (Leo) Brown, Leo Harrison Brown, Jr., William Kooiman, Andrew (Eunice) Kooiman, Andrew James Kooiman Jr., Abraham (Rosemary) Kooiman, Dorothy Kooiman (William) Hunefeld, and Dirk Frans (Kris) Kooiman. Ray graduated from Soo High School in 1951 and was drafted into the Korean conflict a few months later, serving at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He married his wife Francina in 1956. Ray became a charter member of North Kent Presbyterian Church in 1961. Besides working with other members to construct the church building, Ray designed and built the lights now hanging in the sanctuary. Over the years he remained active in the life of the church, especially with facilities. He especially enjoyed working with the youth. Camp Greenwood was always very close to his heart. His latest project was the construction of the log cabin on the rocky shore of Lake Huron situated on Drummond Island. Ray will be greatly missed by friends and family. In lieu of flowers feel free to donate to one of Ray’s favorite charities: Camp Greenwood, North Kent Presbyterian Church, Mel Trotter Ministries, and North Kent Connect, or Emmanuel Hospice. A celebration of life will be held on August 19, 2023 at North Kent Presbyterian Church, 6175 Kuttshill Dr. NE., at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment, with military honors, will be held at 2 p.m. at Plainfield Township Cemetery.