Ronald Edward Anderson, affectionately known as “Lefty,” passed away on April 23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on April 29, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, Ronald led a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a deep love for God, family, baseball, and adventure.

Ronald’s early years in Chicago were shaped by his education at Lane Tech High School, followed by his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. Initially joining the Marines after high school, he served two years in a reconnaissance company. His commitment extended through the Korean War, during which he was called back to duty, serving an additional two years before being honorably discharged in 1951. Following his military service, Ronald pursued higher education at North Park College while building his career as a skilled bricklayer.

In 1952, Ronald married Emily Frances Anderson, lovingly known as Mickey. Their partnership was a cornerstone of his life until her passing in 2018. Ronald balanced his work as a bricklayer for another decade before beginning a new chapter as a route salesman with Jays Foods, home of the irresistible Jays potato chips. He dedicated many years to this role until retiring in 1990 at the age of 62. Following retirement, Ronald and Mickey relocated to sunny Arizona, where they enjoyed the warmth and the vibrant community.

A lifelong devotee of baseball, Ronald’s passion for the sport was evident throughout his life. From playing in his youth and during his Marine Corps years to joining the Arizona Men’s Senior Baseball League at age 62, he reveled in the joy the game brought him. He was honored to participate in three all-star games and was recognized for his expert ability to draw walks. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, Ronald quickly embraced the Arizona Diamondbacks after moving west, cherishing milestones like the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series win and the Cubs’ triumph in 2016. His enthusiasm and love for baseball earned him memorable experiences, including a heartfelt trip to Randy Hundley’s Fantasy Baseball Camp. Furthermore, as a Golden Glover for the Diamondbacks in 2000, Ronald happily contributed by catching foul balls, a role he treasured.

Beyond the diamond, Ronald’s rich and varied interests enriched his life. He embraced outdoor pursuits year-round, enjoying snowmobiling and boating in Illinois, where summer days often included swimming and daring dives off the garage roof into the backyard pool. In Arizona, fishing became a favored pastime, and annual trips with his brothers to the Boundary Waters nurtured a strong family bond. Traveling with Mickey brought them shared joy, including memorable visits to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Yosemite—fulfilling a special bucket list dream. Boating excursions on the Colorado River in Laughlin with friends and relatives added to the tapestry of cherished memories.

Ronald’s warm personality was marked by his playful sense of humor and genuine kindness. Known as a jokester, he delighted in gentle pranks, always laughing to share the moment in good spirit. His affectionate nature flourished in the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where playful roughhousing, knee slaps, and rib-knuckles became expressions of his deep love. In quieter moments, he found pleasure in cards, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Farkle. A lifelong sweet tooth meant his home was always stocked with cookies, cake, pie, ice cream, or candy—adding a comforting sweetness to everyday life.

Ronald is survived by his loving son Ronald J. Anderson and daughter Beth A. Neill. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as brothers Edward and Darryl Anderson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember him with affection and respect.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Emily Frances Anderson, son Michael Leon Anderson, his parents Ethel and Edward Anderson, and brothers James and Quinten Anderson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 29, 2026, at the Menke Funeral & Cremation Center in Sun City, Arizona, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The graveside service will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.

Ronald Edward “Lefty” Anderson’s legacy is one of steadfast devotion—to his family, his country, his community, and the game he so dearly loved. His memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived.