Ronald Blubaugh

1938 - 2026

Ronald Eugene Blubaugh passed away on March 21st, 2026 at the age of 87 after a series of medical complications. He is preceded in death by his faithful wife of 64 years, Carola Blubaugh and his beloved parents, Eugene and Stella Blubaugh. He is survived by his three children - Mark Blubaugh, Carolyn Hagler, and Christine Mersten as well as five grandchildren, Cynthia Fayette, Jessica Jobanputra, Joshua Hagler, Raymond Hagler, and Aaron Hagler.



Ronald was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 17th, 1938. He was raised in Kansas and in Portland, Oregon. In the summer of his 16th year, he took a long train trip across the country where he saw Notre Dame University for the first time. It was then that he decided his future included attending that great, Catholic University. He graduated Cum Laude from Notre Dame in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in economics, and later finished a Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.



Shortly thereafter, he married Carola Charles and three children appeared within three and a half years.



After serving in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant, he moved his family to California to begin his career as a newspaper reporter for the Sacramento Bee. During his time at the Bee he wrote many award winning articles and served as the President of the Sacramento Newspaper Guild.



While working full-time at the Bee, Ron attended McGeorge Law school at night. Over the next five years, he stayed up late meticulously transcribing his class notes on his manual typewriter, eventually graduating #1 in his night class.



His second career was as Chief Administrative Law Judge for the State of California where he worked until his retirement at age 65. After his prostate cancer diagnosis that same year, he wanted to travel with Carola and live his life to the fullest, which he did for many years.



His post-retirement years were spent as a fixture at the Sacramento Loaves & Fishes in the role of cafeteria volunteer, pro-bono attorney for the Tommy Clinkenbeard Legal Clinic and president of the Board of Directors. Ron was awarded the 2011 Presidents Pro Bono Service Award from the State Bar of California for his work on behalf of the unhoused on a class-action lawsuit.



He maintained this position until his ultimate decision was made - to dedicate the rest of his life taking care of his wife. This he did until she passed away a mere six months ago. He always told us his final job was the most important job of his life.



A celebration of life ceremony will be held for Ronald and Carola in Sacramento on April 11th at 11:30 am at "1442 on the Blvd". In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in their memory to the Save the Redwoods League or the Sacramento Loaves and Fishes.