Ronald E. Ries

Ronald E. Ries, 78, passed away March 23, 2024, at Samaritan Hospital. Ronald was a modest and private man whose last wishes included a request that no services be held. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories. 

Ronald was born May 7, 1945, in Long Beach, Calif., the son of the late Darrell and Mary Ellen Ries. His family moved to Moses Lake in 1949. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1963. He met his future wife, Janet N. Ries, while attending college and was married to her in 1965 in Ephrata. In 1967, Ronald graduated from Central Washington University with a B.A. in Business and Accounting and enlisted in the Air Force.

In the service, Ronald received flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona and pilot-instructor training in Panama City, Fla. From 1969 to 1972, Ronald was assigned to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, where he served as a flight instructor. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1972, after which he enrolled in the Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane. While attending law school, he was hired as a pilot by Delta Airlines, enabling him to continue to pursue his passion for aviation. From 1973 to 1977, he lived in Houston, Texas, before returning to Moses Lake. He retired from Delta in 2000. In retirement, he enjoyed flying gliders and tow aircraft in Ephrata, riding motorcycles, watching his grandchildren’s athletic pursuits, Gonzaga basketball and golf.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Christopher Ries; his daughter, Kimberly Ries Ashley; his son-in-law, Justin Ashley; and his grandchildren, Peyton Ries, Savannah Ashley, Everett Ashley and Sydney Ries. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harry Ries. 

Ronald is remembered by his family as a good and humble gentleman who prioritized providing for and protecting his loved ones. He taught his children common sense and a strong understanding of right and wrong and instilled in them and his grandchildren a love of baseball and softball. Above all else, he was thankful for and loved his wife. Ronald will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name are suggested to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, 1031 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake, WA 98837.