Ronald Edward Rogers, affectionately referred to as ‘Ronnie’ by his wife and ‘Ron’ by his close friends, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025.
Ron’s family have deep roots in Patterson and the Central Valley. He was born in 1937, a graduate of Patterson High School’s Class of 1956, and a fourth generation Californian whose family emigrated from the Azores after the Gold Rush era. Ron’s early life in the rural country of Patterson inspired his love and appreciation for wilderness and wildlife. He grew up on El Solyo Ranch, just south of Vernalis, hunting, fishing, and trapping with his brothers and sisters to pass the time.
Ron and his wife, Mary Ann met as young adults in Patterson and were married in 1962. They loved spending time together and were nearly inseparable. Most of all they loved their annual trips to the Caribbean Island of Anguilla. By trade, Ron was a skilled electrician for over 40 years, and had a long and successful career working for Western Union and Patterson Frozen Foods. Ron also served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves.
Ron was known by many as a jack-of-all trades for his diverse skills and hobbies. He was an accomplished wood-worker and craftsman, having made many complex pieces for his friends and family ranging from large dressers and tables, to small more intricate works like inlaid jewelry boxes. Ron was also an appreciator and student of California history and therefore enjoyed collecting US currency, antique service weapons, stamps, and political artifacts. Out of all his hobbies, he most enjoyed spending time with his family at their cabin in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Ron enjoyed hiking with his daughter and grandchildren to fishing spots in the Sierra Nevada’s throughout their lives. In fact, Ron inspired a bill at the California State Legislature, SB 579 (Umberg 2023), signed by Governor Newsom nicknamed the ‘Ron Rogers’ law, which requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to more regularly and accurately post fish stocking information so that families can more easily plan fishing trips together.
As an avid naturalist and lifelong outdoorsman Ron had various proficiencies, but chief among them was amateur botany, birdwatching, and fishing. He embarked on incredible feats of self-reliance and toughness like backpacking the entire John Muir Trail from Yosemite to the top of Mount Whitney. Ron was also a lifelong member of the Sierra Club.
Ron is remembered for all these qualities as well as his trademark dry humor. However, Ron will be most remembered for his deep love for his friends and family and inspiring a love for nature in them that will be passed down from generation to generation.
Ron joins many dear lifelong family and friends in heaven such as his parents, Ed & Mae Belle; brother, Richard; sister, Yvonne and dearest friends, Tony, Darryl, and Lowell. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Mary Ann; his daughter, Stephanie; his sisters, Edwina (Winnie) and Jeanette; his grandchildren, Emma, Justin and Zach; his great-grandchildren, Mason, Isla, Tristan, Samantha and 22 nieces and nephews.
Tribute donations can be made to the John Muir Trail Wilderness Conservancy in his name: JMT Wilderness Conservancy, 10008 SE River St. Suite B, Truckee, CA 96161 or https://jmtwilderness.org/
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary service at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Patterson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Patterson District Cemetery.
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Patterson.
