Debra A Ries

debra ries

May 14, 1971 ~ May 30, 2023


Resided in: Rochester, MN

Debra “Deb” Ries, age 52, of Rochester, MN formerly of Elma, IA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at her home in Rochester.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek and Father Terrill Ball concelebrating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma following the memorial mass.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma with a 2:45 PM Rosary.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the memorial mass on Monday.  Online condolences may be left at www.conwaymarkham.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Debra “Deb” Ann was born May 14, 1971, the daughter of John and Catherine “Cathy” (Ball) Ries in New Hampton, IA. She attended and graduated from Crestwood High School with the class of 1989.  After completing her education, Deb attended Hamilton College in Mason City where she obtained her degree as a medical secretary.  She began her career with Mason City Business Systems before moving to Rochester, MN where she spent the remainder of her life.  Deb worked for the Mayo Health Systems for the past 30 years.

When not working, Deb enjoyed crocheting blankets and scarves to keep her family warm along with other items.  She also enjoyed baking cookies to sweeten up her nieces and nephews.  She deeply cherished her time with her family and friends.

Those left to honor Deb’s memory are her parents, John and Cathy Ries of Elma; her siblings, Janae (Pete Andera) Wilson of Kensett, IA, Mark (Joanne) Ries in Elma, IA, Kent (Natalie) Ries of Elma, IA; her nieces and nephews, Kayla, Melinda, Dillon, Alyvia, Hayden, Connley, and Brynleigh and numerous aunts, uncles and extended family.

She was preceded by her grandparents, Robert and Carolyn Ball; Ralph and Mary Ries; and aunts, Mona Ball and Jean Ries.

Services

Visitation: June 4, 2023 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Conway-Markham Funeral Home - Elma
508 Maple St.
Elma, IA 50628

(641) 393-2461
https://www.conway-markhamfh.com/

Rosary: June 4, 2023 2:45 pm

Conway-Markham Funeral Home - Elma
508 Maple St.
Elma, IA 50628

(641) 393-2461
https://www.conway-markhamfh.com/

Visitation: June 5, 2023 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Immaculate Conception Church
207 7th Street
Elma, IA 50628

641-393-2461
http://www.parishesonline.com/scripts/HostedSites/Org.asp?ID=13863

Mass of Christian Burial: June 5, 2023 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Immaculate Conception Church
207 7th Street
Elma, IA 50628

641-393-2461
http://www.parishesonline.com/scripts/HostedSites/Org.asp?ID=13863

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Light a CandleYou will be missed. May you find peace with your Lord in heaven. We had many laughs at work.

  2. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Every year, you never forgot my birthday and would send me a text. Your sense of humor was next to none, and your heart was always so big. Fly high, Ries.

  3. Light a CandleThinking of your family during this difficult time. Deb you were an amazing person and friend. Always thinking of others and could always make everyone laugh. You will be missed beyond words.
    Natalie’s favorite hat still is the one your crocheted for her when she was born. We all cherish the gifts you made for us.

  4. Light a CandleJohn and Cathy
    So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  5. So sorry cathy for the loss of your daughter! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  6. Cathy and family I’m so sorry to here of the loss of your loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. Light a CandleOur sincere sympathy to John & Cathy and their family. May God grant you comfort and peace.

  8. Light a CandleDear Cathy and family,
    So very sorry to read of your beloved daughter Deb’s earthly death. Know that you are in our prayers as we ask God to give you comfort. Sending hugs to you all, as you recall the good memories you have. May you feel the love and comfort we send your way.

  9. Light a CandleOur sincere condolences to you and your family in the passing of your daughter. May God grant you peace and comfort at this difficult time.

  10. Light a CandleOur sympathies with the passing of your beloved Deb. I have many fond memories of sitting with her on bus rides home from high school and being in band with her. No one could make a person laugh like sweet Deb. Keeping you all in our prayers.

  11. Light a CandleI am so sorry for your loss. I was in the same Department as Deb for 27 years. I have missed seeing her around since we all went home. Thinking of all her friends and family in this difficult time.

  12. Light a CandleI will miss working with Deb. She told us she collects Angels. Now she is one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  13. So very sorry for your loss. The entire Ries family is in our thoughts and prayers. –Steve & Sondra


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