Ronald Duane Tobias

1937 - 2017

Ronald Duane Tobias
April 17, 1937 - September 18, 2017
Ronald Duane Tobias, 80, beloved father, husband, grandpa and friend departed his earthly home, surrounded by family, on September 18, 2017 in Boise, ID. Ron was born April 17, 1937 to Champ and Ethel Wooley Tobias. Ron's childhood was spent on the Tobias Ranch on Hayden Creek, near Lemhi ID. This is where Ron learned the value of hard work and where his love of the outdoors developed as he hunted and fished on the ranch. Ron graduated from Leadore High School where for their senior trip all six students got into one car and played hooky the last day of class. Ron had a passion for cars, not only did he enjoy driving them, he also loved to tinker and fix them. One of his last jobs was delivering new cars for a local car dealer. After High School, he attended Idaho State University Vocational Education for auto mechanics. During this time is when he met and married Marjorie Soden, they were later divorced. From this marriage they had two sons, Mark and Kevin.
Not only was Ron a rancher, but during his early years he worked in the Cobalt mines near Salmon ID, as a Surveyor in "Home on the Range" Wyoming, and starting in 1961, for the State of Idaho Highway department. During his State employment, he briefly lived in Blackfoot ID then finally settled in Pocatello ID where he lived until 1976. After the sudden death of his father in 1976, Ron returned to run the family ranch with his Uncle Kermit. He married Marlene (Molly) McGinnis in September 1976 and together they worked the ranch until 1994. They made it a place where all their family and friends wanted to be. After retirement from ranching he worked for the fish and game. He was fortunate to retire from ranching at an early age, and for several years he and Molly spent the winter months in Lake Havasu, AZ with their closest friends.
Ron loved his family and it broke his heart when his oldest son Mark died in a tragic accident in 1987. He was proud of his son Kevin and talked about him often. Ron was privileged to have three stepchildren, Kenneth, Keena and Audrey, whom he loved and considered his own. The Tobias family has a strong tradition of helping those in need, Ron continued this tradition and gained many lifelong friends through his lifetime service to others. Ron had a playful humorous side, he would often get a mischievous smile which was followed by comments that made you smile and laugh, bringing brightness to your day.
He is survived by his wife, Molly, of Boise; sister, Donna (Ellery) Holsapple of Boise; his children Keena (Terry) Dumont, Kevin (Betty), Audrey McGinnis; his Grandchildren, Jennifer (Joel) Corrington, Brandon, Jason (Maria) Powell, Derick (Carley), Lance (Lejdja), Misty (Rob) Lawrence, Damien McGinnis, Lindsey McGinnis; and his great-grandchildren, Kylie, Landon, Aubrey, Addison, Liam, Alycia, Mikayla, DJ, Hunter, Nathaniel, Alexander, & Spencer.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Mark Tobias and Kenneth McGinnis, Uncle Kermit and his parents.
Memorial services will be Friday September 29, 2017, 10:00 am at Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church, 765 E. Chinden Blvd, Meridian, Id 83646, and reception to follow.
Ron will be interred at the Salmon Cemetery with immediate family on September 30, 2017
Celebration of Life Potluck will be held Saturday September 30, 5:00pm, at the Elks Lodge, 901 Lombard St, Salmon, ID. Bring your best story about Ron and dish to share.
Condolences may be sent to: PO BOX 190565 Boise, ID 83719-0565. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be sent to Hospice of Salmon Valley 506 Van Dreft St, Salmon, ID 83467. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home, Boise, ID. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.summersfuneral.com.