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BORN
1921
DIED
2016
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Ralph Roper Obituary
2/28/1921-4/10/2016
Ralph Charlie Roper, 95, of Auburn, California, passed away on the evening of April 10, while surrounded by family and friends.
Ralph was born February 28, 1921, in Minnesota to Harvey and Wilhelmina Roper. Raised on the family farm, he learned a strong work ethic that allowed him a long, vibrant and productive life. He also served his beloved country's US Navy in both the Korean and Second World War.
In 1947, Ralph married Helen Martinson of North Dakota. The couple moved to Auburn in 1952, where Ralph found work as a watchmaker. He and Helen fell in love with Auburn and chose to embrace it and serve the community wholeheartedly. In 1956, he opened Roper's Jewelers, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Aside from his business, Ralph also contributed to the Auburn community at every opportunity. He was an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, was active in the Navy League and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was awarded the prestigious 1986 McCann award for Public Service in Auburn.
Ralph and Helen enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Helen passed in 2009. He was predeceased by his youngest son, Harvey. Both Helen and Harvey have awaited Ralph's entrance to heaven.
He is survived by his son, Steven Roper, daughter Elaine Brennecke (Ernie), daughter-in-law Brenda Roper, grandchildren Ryan (Michelle), Jacob, Roseann Roper-Summers (Ira), Lane (Kylee), Erin Brennecke, and Erik Brennecke (Katie), and great-grandchildren Taylor, Allie, Gavin and Josephine. Ralph is also survived by sisters Wilhelmina Betterley, Louise Kahl, and Hazel Dettmer.
He enjoyed the companionship of Joey Ford and an endless number of close friends who made up a great part of Ralph's life.
Warm hearted thanks to the kind, compassionate and excellent care given by the doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists at Sutter Roseville Medical Center.
A viewing will be held Saturday, April 16, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Lassila Funeral Chapel, located at 551 Grass Valley Hwy. A Memorial Service follows on Sunday, April 17, at the Gold Country Fairground's Placer Hall. Memorial gathering begins at 2:30 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Roper
Buck & Sharon Hyers
April 9, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherri Schackner
April 21, 2016
With sincere sympathy for your loss.
Sherri Schackner & Jesse, Sarah, Ella & Emily Johnson
Willie Slade
April 21, 2016
Good bye old friend of many years. Willie Slade
Evon Basque
April 21, 2016
Ralph was a wonderful person
He will be missed by us all
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Bob & Jan Manchester
April 17, 2016
Ralph was always such a gentleman and treated us so warmly and was so very interesting as well. He contributed much to the community and we shall remember him fondly and are glad to have known him. We send our condolences to all of his family.
Sincerely,
Bob and Jan Manchester
April 16, 2016
Cedric O'Hern; We've lost a great friend.
He & I talked old cars and watches.
I'll miss him dearly.
Christie Kesseler
April 16, 2016
You were a pretty special guy, Ralph--say hi to your friend, my dad, when you see him up there, o.k.?!
Ed Presley
April 16, 2016
Rest easy Ralph. A great person and wonderful friend. Condolences to the family.
Anne Murch
April 16, 2016
Ralph was a terrific guy - I purchased my first diamonds from him and both he and I were thrilled. Always pleasant and caring. RIP, Ralph.
Gene & Yvonne Young
April 15, 2016
You were a wonderful person and will be missed so much
Dianna Wells
April 15, 2016
I have such fond memories of Mr.Roper. As a child I used to watch him with fascination looking over the jewels in his shop. My Grandfather had a small café across the street. He was such a nice man. Thank you Ralph Roper for your kindness.
Debra Enzler
April 15, 2016
God bless you Ralph. You and your great smile will remain with all of us that love you dearly.
Buck & Sharon Hyers
April 15, 2016
Go with God and our fond memories.
Sheryl Roberts Sampley
April 15, 2016
My family moved to the Auburn area (Applegate) in 1958. I remember going with my parents into Ropers as a little girl. Our family still has pieces of fine jewelry purchased at Ropers. RIP Ralph, you definitely were an Auburn icon.
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