Ronald Leslie Christie

Ronald Leslie Christie, age 90, of Plymouth, formerly of Devils Lake, ND, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024.  
Ron was born on April 28, 1934 in Devils Lake, ND, the third of five sons born to Edward (Ted) and Helene Christie.  Ron graduated from Devils Lake Central in 1952 and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Jamestown in 1956.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Schafer on June 19, 1955, in Devils Lake, ND.  He was a loving and devoted husband for 68 years.

After graduation from college they returned to Devils Lake to join the family business, Christies Fairway Foods.

Two children were born into this marriage, Bruce and Connie.

Ron was always active in community affairs. He was a 30 year member and past president of Rotary and was a life member of the Elks Club, past president of the Chamber of Commerce and served as state president of the ND Grocers Association in 1985 and 1986. Ron received the Devils Lake Distinguished Service Award and the Outstanding Citizen Award and was ND Grocer of the Year.

In 1972 Ron built a second store, Christies Food Warehouse, which he operated for 15 years.  After selling the business, he returned to college and earned the Certified Financial Planner designation and served in that capacity for 12 years.

Ron was a longtime member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Devils Lake, where he served as Trustee, Elder, Sunday School teacher, superintendent of the Sunday School and choir member, where a special joy was singing in the Christie quartet along with wife Dorothy, brother Bob and his wife Barb.  Ron served as church treasurer for 12 years.

After retirement they moved to Fountain Hills, AZ, where they continued to make their home.  Ron was a member of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and the Fountain Hills Mens Club.  He was an avid golfer and was especially proud of his two holes-in-one, winning the Devils Lake Senior Championship in 1992.

He was Treasurer of the Cordabella Homeowners Association in Fountain Hills for six years.

In 2018 Ron and Dorothy moved to Trillium Woods, an independent living community in Plymouth, MN, to be closer to family.  Ron enjoyed his years and many new friends at Trillium Woods.  He sang in the Trillium Woods chorale and served on the Resident Council and was a member of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church.

Ron enjoyed traveling with his wife, friends and family. He especially liked the many cruises they went on, and the thousands of backgammon games he played with Dorothy.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Connie Christie (Gary Olson); grandchildren, Jeff (Tabitha) Breakey, Kristen (Greg) Seremet, Garret Christie and Catlyn Christie; great grandchildren, Tyler Seremet and Sadie Seremet; brothers, Robert (Barbara) Christie and Richard (Jean) Christie; sister-in-law, Delores Beattie; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Ted and Helene Christie; son, Bruce; brothers, Charles and Donald; parents-in-law, Matthew and Belda Schafer.  
Ron’s family and friends will miss his loving care, his wit and his financial knowledge.  He was an amazing inspiration to his children and grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 21 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N, with visitation one hour prior to the service.