Ralph Clark Sater
July 30th, 1955 - June 16th, 2025
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Ralph's Obituary
“Ralph Clark Sater I, 69, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 30, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana, Ralph is the son of the late Doris and Richard Sater. He was one of seven children growing up and later went on to have six children of his own and four bonus children. He had a strong love for his family and was always so proud of their accomplishments.
After graduating from Brandywine High School in 1973, Ralph went on to work many jobs, mainly construction, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t build or repair. Whether it was a car that needed fixing, a project that needed building, or just a tool borrowed from his shed, Ralph was always there to lend a hand—especially for his kids, who knew they could count on him for just about anything.
Ralph had a deep love for the outdoors and embraced every season with joy and appreciation. He found peace and happiness in fishing, was an expert mushroom hunter, and was a passionate gardener who took great pride in his gardens—both vegetables and flowers. Each year, he grew sunflowers, his favorite, and the tallest cactus around. His green thumb and connection to nature were just a small part of what made him so special.
He is lovingly remembered by his partner of nearly 40 years, Jamie Howell; his children Bridget Heighway (Ryan), Angie Sater (John), Jillian Sater (Zee), Ralph Sater II (Megan), Justine Sater (Tyler), Joyie Alvord (Chip); Jenny Yarbrough (JJ); Jackie Howell (Ric), and Jeremy Howell; 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren—affectionately known to Ralph as his “hoods”; his siblings Bruce Sater, Richard Sater (Shelly), John Sater; his brother-in-law Dave Gross; and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Doris; his sisters Mona and Debbie; his brother Jeff; his daughter Colleen; and many dear friends.
The family will be holding a private celebration to honor Ralphs memory. No memorial contributions are necessary. Instead, in true Ralph fashion, we encourage you to step outside, crack open a cold one, plant something in the dirt, and enjoy the simple beauty of life—just as he did every day.“
Born on July 30, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana, Ralph is the son of the late Doris and Richard Sater. He was one of seven children growing up and later went on to have six children of his own and four bonus children. He had a strong love for his family and was always so proud of their accomplishments.
After graduating from Brandywine High School in 1973, Ralph went on to work many jobs, mainly construction, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t build or repair. Whether it was a car that needed fixing, a project that needed building, or just a tool borrowed from his shed, Ralph was always there to lend a hand—especially for his kids, who knew they could count on him for just about anything.
Ralph had a deep love for the outdoors and embraced every season with joy and appreciation. He found peace and happiness in fishing, was an expert mushroom hunter, and was a passionate gardener who took great pride in his gardens—both vegetables and flowers. Each year, he grew sunflowers, his favorite, and the tallest cactus around. His green thumb and connection to nature were just a small part of what made him so special.
He is lovingly remembered by his partner of nearly 40 years, Jamie Howell; his children Bridget Heighway (Ryan), Angie Sater (John), Jillian Sater (Zee), Ralph Sater II (Megan), Justine Sater (Tyler), Joyie Alvord (Chip); Jenny Yarbrough (JJ); Jackie Howell (Ric), and Jeremy Howell; 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren—affectionately known to Ralph as his “hoods”; his siblings Bruce Sater, Richard Sater (Shelly), John Sater; his brother-in-law Dave Gross; and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Doris; his sisters Mona and Debbie; his brother Jeff; his daughter Colleen; and many dear friends.
The family will be holding a private celebration to honor Ralphs memory. No memorial contributions are necessary. Instead, in true Ralph fashion, we encourage you to step outside, crack open a cold one, plant something in the dirt, and enjoy the simple beauty of life—just as he did every day.“
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