Ronald Lee Ames

Ronald Lee Ames, 74, of Prior Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 9, 2024. Ron was born on September 29, 1949, in Farmington, Minnesota, to Chester and Ruby (Reisinger) Ames, and was the youngest of their nine children. Growing up on a farm, Ron learned the value of both hard work and the strength of family. After graduating high school, Ron enlisted and served for four years in the Minnesota National Guard. During this time, he met the love of his life, Debbie, and they became engaged after dating for only three months. Ron and Debbie married on May 15, 1971, and over the next several years, they were blessed with six children. Ron and Debbie loved traveling together, whether the trip was to their home in sunny Arizona, or time spent relaxing at their lake house in northern Minnesota. Ron cherished the quality time he spent with his wife, and they recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Ron joined Ames Construction in 1968 and devoted 56 years to working at the company with his brothers and other family members. Whenever Ron talked about success, he talked about attitude. “Our success always comes down to attitude; the attitude of the employees and the principals.” Ron’s positive, can-do attitude was evident in everything he did. Ron loved his family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his kids and grandkids. He shared many vacations, hunting and fishing with friends and family, planning family BBQs, and watching his grandkids play sports. His family is thankful for the time they were able to spend together in Hawaii this past summer. Ron will be remembered for his mischievous sense of humor. Quick with a joke to tell and a laugh to share, he was a great storyteller. Also well-known for having a heart of gold, Ron was always helping people and making friends wherever he went. In fact, he made it a goal to meet at least one new person every day. Ron is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Prior Lake; his children: Rhonda Ames of Savage, Megan Ames of Mesa, Arizona, Dan (Andrea) Ames of Lakeville, Tim (Ashley) Ames of Prior Lake, Ryley Ames of Prior Lake, and Sydney Ames of Prior Lake; six grandchildren: Jack, June, Ruby, Brooke, Christian, and Ava; sisters: Audrey, Mary Ellen, and Peggy, and brothers: Raymond, John, and Tom. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly Ann, and brother Richard Ames. In lieu of flowers, the family will designate memorial contributions to Ron’s favorite charities. Visitation: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044 Service: Thursday, September 19, 2024, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch, at Hosanna Church, 9600 163rd St. West, Lakeville, MN 55044 Interment: Corinthian Cemetery, 209 St. West at Catalina Way, Farmington, MN 55024