Raymond Alger Root

Raymond Alger Root of Caro, age 79, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, July 3, 2020 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor while under palliative care. Ray was born November 30, 1940 in Cass City, the son of the late Hubert & Helen (O'Dell) Root. He grew up in Gagetown where he attended country school and later graduated from Cass City High School with the class of 1959. Shortly after, he began a career as a heavy machine operator for General Motors at the Pontiac Motors Plant, retiring in 1990. Never one to sit still for long, Ray took a job helping Chuck O'Dell with his excavating business in Cass City for over ten years, along with several other endeavors to keep him occupied. On June 25, 1965, he wed the former Suann Johnson at the Dayton Center Church in Silverwood. Suann preceded Ray in death on July 27, 2005 after forty years of marriage. Ray loved to be around people and rarely missed an opportunity to see his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a regular at Weiland's Barber Shop in Caro and enjoyed being a member of a Corvette club, the Caro Moose Lodge, and the National Rifle Association. Ray was one of the first coaches for the Caro Baseball Federation, a position he held for over ten years. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and attended the Indianapolis 500 for twenty-five years. Left to cherish his memory are two children, Jason & Dawn Root of Mayville, Stephanie Karr of Caro; three grandchildren, Micaylee, Kendall, and Lyndsey; a special friend, Donagene Ewald of Caro; several cousins and many close friends. A graveside committal service will be held at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 with Rev. Ray Karr officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, July 9, 2020 Time: 10:00 am Almer Township Cemetery Address: E Caro Rd & Deckervile Rd Caro, MI 48723 A graveside committal service will be held at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 with Rev. Ray Karr officiating.