Ray E. Roach

Ray E. Roach, age 68, of 70 North Union Street, Leesville, Ohio, died Sunday morning, July 25, 2010 in his residence after a long courageous battle with cancer.

He retired in 1997 as a crew leader from Fresh Mark Foods (Sugardale Foods, Inc.) at Canton, O. after 30 years of service to the company.

He was born May 14, 1942 in Carrollton, Ohio and was the son of Mary Gallatin Roach of Leesville and the late Jasper "Jack" Roach.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two sisters Linda Moore, who died in 1985 and Twila Bake, who died in 2010, and two brothers James "Ralph" Roach, who died in 1987, and Carl "Butch" Roach, who died in 2008.

Ray was a very active member of both the Ohio United Wagon Train and the Ohio Mod Rod Pullers Association, and made many friends from these activities.  He was a U. S. Army Veteran during the Viet Nam War, during which he served in Cleveland, Ohio.  One of his greatest passions was working with the children as an advisor for the Guys and Gals 4-H Club in Carroll County.  Among Ray's other favorite activities, he liked to sharpen clipper blades for people and work with leather.  He also took delight in working with animals, particularly his goats and mules.  Before his illness, Ray always looked forward to joining his friends for coffee and conversation at Dave's Diner in Sherrodsville.

In addition to his mother Mary Roach, he is survived by his wife  Rita McClure Roach, whom he married February 14, 1981, and his three children,  Rayna and Matthew, both of South Carolina, and Rebecca of North Carolina, and his four granddaughters and two grandsons Darci of Warren, O., Brandi and Christa, both of South Carolina, Amanda, who lives out of state, and Blade and Kutter, both of North Carolina, and a sister, Mrs. Ed (Darla) Cundiff of Bowerston, O.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 29, 2010 in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Rev. Roy Scott officiating. Interment will follow in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens where the Carroll County combined units  of the American Legion, D.A.V., and V.F.W. will conduct military graveside services. Calling hours will be held  Wednesday  from 6 until 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made for the benefit of the family.  To leave an online condolence message, please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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