Mary C. Ries

mary ries
Mary C. Ries, age 91, of Elma, IA, died on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Colonial Manor in Elma. Mary Catherine (Schwickerath) Ries was born on November 15, 1917 to Lambert and Barbara (Pierre) Schwickerath in North Washington, IA. Mary attended St. Marys School in North Washington. On November 26, 1940 Mary was united in marriage to Ralph M. Ries at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. To this union eight children were born. Mary and Ralph rented farms for seven years in Chickasaw County and in 1947 they purchased their farm in Howard County, a mile west of Elma. In 1975 they retired and built a new home on the west side of Elma where Mary resided until moving into the Colonial Manor in January of 2007. She was an active farm girl growing up and farmed side by side with Ralph and their children. In 1978 she became a kitchen employee at Colonial Manor. The residents, staff and visitors fell in love with Marys cookies and all the many baked goods she made. In 1993 Mary retired again to continue with other hobbies. Mary enjoyed crocheting, quilting, playing cards, baking and cooking, spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grand children and even a great great grandchild. Family was number one to Mary. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a member of a womens club called Friends and Neighbors. Mary is survived by four sons, John L. (Cathy) Ries of Elma, IA, Ed R. (Jean) Ries of Spring Valley, MN, Mike L. (Janice) Ries of Cresco, IA and Gary L. (Mary Jo) Ries of Elma, IA; two daughters, Elaine (Chuck) Laures of Osage, IA and Marilyn (Gary) Schaudenecker of Alta Vista, IA; 17 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; one brother Reynold (Corrine) Schwickerath of New Hampton and two sisters-in-law Margaret Schwickerath of Ionia, and Helen Ries of Elma. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ralph on December 3, 2001; two daughters Janice and Mary Ann in infancy; two sisters Josephine Schwickerath and Martha (Vernon) Sinnwell; four brothers, Walter Schwickerath, Ed Schwickerath, Louis (Orella) Schwickerath and Vincent (Marie) Schwickerath. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Marys Cemetery at North Washington. Visitation: Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with a rosary at 4:30 pm and a scriptural wake service at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Elma. Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, September 25, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Elma, Iowa with Father Ray Atwood as celebrant.

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  1. Dear Ries Family,
    You have our sympathy and our prayers. Your mother is now free from pain and united with the loved ones who went to heaven before her. Mary had a long and full life and I’m sure her greatest reward is her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She made 91 years of memories and I’m sure you all hold many of those memories in your heart. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Love, Lyle and Lynn

  2. We send our sympathy to the Ries Family. Mary was always so kind and friendly to our Ball Family. Her strong family values were always so evident. Our love and prayers to all of you! Carolyn, Terrill, & Mona Ball

  3. My deepest sympathy to all the Ries Family for your loss. Aunt Mary will be missed, but she is now at peace and re-united with Ralph in heaven. Over the past several years, I had an occasion to visit with her while on my annual vacation back to the Elma area. She always talked about the thing that was most important to her, her family. She loved you all so very much, and was proud of each and every one of you. She is still watching over you from up in heaven, so live your life as she would have wanted and continue to make her proud. May the memories you carry in you heart give you comfort at theis dificault time. She will be greatly missed. Love and prayers, Dale

  4. You are in our thoughts and prayers on the loss of your Mother, Mary. We won’t be able to be there since we are in Il. at this time. God Bless You All.
    Richard and Rose

  5. Elaine, Chuck & family – You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May your faith in God help to comfort you during these sad days.

  6. Dear Chuck and Elaine,
    We extend our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. We will be thinking of you in the days ahead. Find comfort in knowing she is at home.


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