Ronald Goble

Ronald Goble passed away on May 4, 2025, just a few weeks shy of his 84th birthday, after living a full and meaningful life. He had recently celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage to Rosie, the love of his life. In the weeks prior to his passing, he was surrounded by his children and local grandchildren—visits that never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Ron wore many hats over the years, and his strong work ethic was only surpassed by his deep devotion to family. He grew up in a large, loving extended family, enjoying the company of more than a dozen aunts and uncles and countless cousins. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Rosie, he became a proud father to three adoring children, all of whom married and continued to grow the family he cherished so much.

Ron spent most of his career working for the railroad but was rarely content with just one job. He always had a side hustle—partnering with his brother in a food and snack vending business, hauling household waste, doing pest control and taking on whatever work needed doing. After retiring early from the railroad, he continued working for several years as a consultant, a role that took him across the country, including to Alaska.

Outside of work, Ron poured his heart into his family, friends, and hobbies. He loved horse racing, poker, karaoke, laughter, and golf—even when macular degeneration prevented him from seeing where the ball landed, he pretended to be surprised that it was nearly always in the center of the fairway. Ron and Rosie often opened their home to family members in need, including Steve—a fellow railroad retiree who became a beloved regular at holiday dinners.

Ron was born on May 31, 1941, in Jackson, Michigan, to Pansy and Ernest Goble. He was the beloved brother of Darryl Goble and Loretta Powers. He is survived by his wife, Rosie Goble; his children, Randy and Julie Goble, Laurie Goble, and Anne and Chris Ficeli; and his grandchildren, Bennett and Emily Goble, Sam, Claire (and her husband Peter), Charles, and Elli Vredevoogd, and Stori Ficeli (and her fiancée Rob). He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Vinny, Sonny, Christopher and Leo. His little dog Ruby—his constant companion—was truly the apple of his eye.

A celebration of Ron’s life will take place May 31, 2025, which would also be his 84th birthday. It begins at 4:00 PM at the Kent District Library Service Center Grand River Room, 814 West River Center Dr. NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321.

Please consider supporting the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or Macular Degeneration Research (www.macular.org), or any similar organizations in honor of Ron.