Ronald Louis Plies

Ronald Louis Plies, the only son of Oscar and Velma Plies, passed peacefully from this earth after a brief illness on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by family and dear friends. 

Ron lived a life of service and had a deep love for his family and the Lord.  Born in Inglewood, California, Nov. 2, 1941, Ron’s lifelong passion for trains began with his father taking him to the train yard near their home when Ron was a child.  The rest is history!  A master model railroader (MMR), Ron at one time was the president of the Pacific Coast Region of the National Model Railroad Association and won numerous awards for his models.  He was a decades-long member and president of the Eel River Valley Model Railroaders Club and was most recently a member of the Caldwell Model Railroad Club. 

An Eagle Scout, Ron loved the outdoors and spent summers working at the Ahwahnee Lodge and hiking in Yosemite National Park. 

In 1965, while a student at Pasadena Nazarene College, Ron met Carol Wilkerson, the woman he would later jokingly refer to as his first wife.  His sense of humor was legendary.   

Ron graduated from Pasadena Nazarene College and received his master’s degree from San Francisco University.  Of all his professions, including probation officer, tour bus driver, and insurance agency owner and broker, he was happiest being a youth pastor.  Ron’s time as a youth pastor to several churches in California and especially the Puyallup Church of the Nazarene in Puyallup, Washington, created lifelong relationships that were incredibly meaningful to Ron and Carol. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Carol, children Angela Klein, Edward Plies (Laurie), Douglas Plies (Meghan), grandchildren Hailey, Ian, Abbie, Benton, Adelynn, Annika and Emmet, along with numerous other family and friends. 

God has him in His arms, but Carol has him forever in her heart. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 7th at 2 p.m. at College Church of the Nazarene  504 E Dewey Ave in Nampa, Idaho.  All are welcome to attend. 

A link to the service can be streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/69T8i0cXZTE 

The family would like to especially thank the compassionate staff at St. Luke’s in Boise, Summers Funeral Home and the Dry Creek Cemetery for their kindness, care and support.