December 3, 1931 - May 23, 2020
Ronald Arthur Westberry, Sr.
Ronald Arthur Westberry, Sr., 88, of Minneapolis passed away peacefully on May 23, 2020. He was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather. Ronald was born December 3, 1931 to William and Opal (Cohron) Westberry in Minneapolis.
Ronald grew up in north Minneapolis, and attended Vocational High School. While at Vocational, he learned the trade of upholstering and became very skilled at it. However, during the 1950’s African Americans were not being hired as upholsterers, so he did upholstering for many years for family and friends. At Vocational, he also lettered in track, and set a record that was not broken for over a decade.
He later met his lovely wife, Mattie (Walker), and they were married on November 29, 1952. They celebrated 62 loving years of marriage. Their union produced six children, and numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In the early years of their marriage, Ronald and Mattie operated Westberry Cleaners in north Minnepolis which was established by his father, William Westberry.
The family attended St. Peters A.M.E. Church, and Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. They were members at St. Cloud United Methodist Church while living in St. Cloud.
As an adult, he attended the University of Minnesota, and received a degree in Criminal Justice. He later moved to St. Cloud worked for the Minnesota Correctional Center in St. Cloud (St. Cloud Reformatory) as a corrections officer, and a Due Process Investigator. later became the head of the Due Process Unit. After working there for over two decades, he retired in 1994. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Mattie, and spending time with family after his retirement.
Ronald was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60 years, Mattie Jean Westberry; his parents, William and Opal; sisters: Frances Bell and Jaqueline Marshall; brothers: Vincent Westberry, Sr., and Norman Westberry. He is survived by his children, Karla Westberry of Dallas, TX; Ronald Westberry, Jr. (Angela) of Minot, North Dakota; Mark Westberry (Cheryl) of Richfield, MN; Mary Jackson of Huntsville, AL; Joyce Norman (Wallace) of Fayetteville, GA; Randall Westberry, Sr. (Anita) of Birmingham, AL; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Please leave condolences or special memories on the online guestbook:
Love you and miss you dearly grandpa. You were a good grandfather and to your family ❤️
My uncle Ronald was a man of quiet gentle strength. A loving man. While I will miss his loving presence, I find peace in knowing that he is with his beloved wife,brothers, sisters, parents and friends in the glory of the Lord.
Our love and prayers go out to the entire Westberry family. We at Glory o Glory Ministries in Minot are continuing to pray for Holy Spirit to embrace you in great comfort and love. Remember that Jesus knows the pain of grief and He is praying for each of your needs. Serving Jesus the remainder of your life will ensure you meet Ronald again after the resurrection of the saints.
With love and prayers, Pastor Bob and Susan Adkins
To the family of Ron Westberry, we are so sorry for your loss.. It was a privilege to know Ron, and your mom. We have very fond memories of them. The hospitality they showed to all were blessed to be in their home it was always deemed to be a gift. So much compassion.
Blessings to all of you who took such great care of Ron. We loved your parents so much. They will be missed.
I will always remember my uncle as such a kind and caring person. His deep voice and he reminded me of my grandfather. A great dad and an amazing uncle, he certainly will be missed but with the hope of the resurrection I know we will see one another again
Uncle Ronnie always smiled,gentle and sort spoken,he never raised his voice ,that i can remember. Raised a beautiful family,My Prayers go out to the family and friends Fly uncle,Grace be yours,live amongst the King
I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your loving father and so grateful to God for his peaceful passage. Your family remain in my prayers .A special prayer. Or my Dear Friend Mary,forever in my heart.
My deepest sympathy goes out to my family right now. Uncle Ronald was my great, great uncle, I was so blessed to have had him in my life as long as I did. My last memory of him was a happy one with many laughs. I will miss him dearly. With the hope of the resurrection I know I will see him again. To my family, I am sending you all hugs right now. The love in our family run strong and deep, leaving our memories to treasure and keep XOXO.
Mr Westberry was a wonderful father with a very special family! Your strength, values and kindness has been a blessing through your family to so many! God bless all of the family I am so sorry for your loss! I send prayers and condolences from the Cox family.
Brenda
My condolences and prayers go out to the family the Bible holds such a wonderful promise for our loved one Rev 21: 3,4. So until that time comes I’ll say rest well Mr Westberry until we see you again.
Love Jeryl
My deepest condolences to you (Joyce) and your entire family. Although I never met your parents, they sound like great people loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them. To God be the glory for their reunion in Heaven.
God’s blessings upon you all.
I would like to give my condolences to the Westberry family. Mr. Westberry was a kind man. Rest In Peace.
Mark and Family, Jeff and I are heartbroken over the death of your Dad. We are praying that you all will heal gently and that the pain of your loss does not overwhelm you. Take comfort in knowing our Creator felt the same way you do when he showed the greatest love for us by allowing his son Jesus to sacrifice his life on our behalf. His heart was broken as your family’s. But felt joy when He raised him up, we too will feel the same joy and can take comfort from Jesus’ words at John 5:28.29b:” Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out” we all long for that day. We are here for you.
Uncle you will be missed so much. You always show us all love and kindness. With the hope of the resurrection we will be able to see you again. My prayers are with my cousins at this difficult time.He was wonderful uncle.
I truly saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle Ronnie. I will always remember his warm smile, kind heart, & beautiful voice. Please know my families hearts & prayers are with you in this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that he rests with the Lord.
My heart hurts from the lost of my beloved uncle. I am praying for all the family
We will miss you uncle Ronald.
Love,
David Thomas
And family
To Joyce & Mary and the entire Westberry family. I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father! As a child coming to your house to play he was always so kind. He always had a smile which is your family trademark all of you have. He and your Mother raised you so very well it shows in your lives! It was great to see your Dad after years at Marks and Cheryl’s house when you Joyce last visited. All of you please cherish the memories and know that we are here for you. Love Barbara and the Davis Family♡♡
To Karla, Ronnie, Mark, Mary, Joyce, Randy and the entire Westberry family. My condolences to all of you on the death of your Dad. I have such good memories of your entire family. Your parents were always so very kind and welcoming to me and you were all such good neighbors. I loved playing at your house as well as at your Walker grandparents on 5th Avenue. When your family moved in down the block, I remember being very excited Karla, to discover that you were the same age as me. I hope your memories sustain you and my thoughts are with you all.
I will always remember your dad as the mild-mannered, soft-spoken gentleman, with the warm smile. I did not see him often but after meeting him, you could sense his kind spirit. He was the caring and devoted husband to my dear cousin, Mattie and a great Dad to you all. It is said, “A good Father is a blessing to his family,” their protector, provider and shield. He was also a Godly father, trusting, respectful and kind.
May your dad “rest” in the arms of God; may your fond memories of him “rest” deep in your hearts and the peace of God be with you.
God Bless,
Almerth