Patricia Sue Ries passed away at home from cancer on September 19, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born October 19, 1933 in Fond du Lac, WI. She attended school at St. Mary’s Spring Grade School and St. Mary’s Spring Academy in Fond du Lac, WI. She received her RN degree from St. Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac in 1955.
After graduation, she worked at the University of Minneapolis where she met Stephen Ries. They married May 7, 1960 and settled into their valley home in Helena in 1964 where they raised their 11 children. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the organ for Holy Cross Church.
In 2010, she was runner up for the Independent Record’s Mother of the Year Award. She loved playing music, the Spaulding Reading Method, thrift store shopping, working in her yard and her grandchildren. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, her Catholic faith, and her daily rosary. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Painter, sisters Mary Rassmussen and Ann Painter, brothers Thomas, William, Gerald Painter, Sister-in-law Albertine Painter, husband Stephen, daughter Theresa, nephews Ralph Painter and Michael Rassmussen, and niece Sandra Roehl.
Survivors include her children, Catherine Ries, Thomas Ries (Heidi), Elizabeth Riggin, William Ries (Kimberly), Margaret Ries, Michael Ries (Kelly), Jonathan Ries (Beth), Christopher Ries (Toni), Jennifer Bunel (Brian), Daniel Ries (Megan), as well as 43 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Rosary will be prayed at Retz Funeral Home, 315 6th Ave., Helena on Monday, Sept 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends until 7:30 PM. A Requiem Mass will be said at Holy Cross Church, 449 N Hoback, on Tuesday, Sept 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Fort Harrison immediately after the Mass. A reception will follow the burial in the Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Cross Church, P.O. Box 382, Helena, MT 59634.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday September 27, 2021
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday September 27, 2021
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Holy Cross Church
449 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Monday September 27, 2021
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday September 27, 2021
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Holy Cross Church
449 N Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday September 28, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Catherine,
So very sorry to hear about your Mom. I’m sure she was sweet as I know you must have gotten your sweet disposition and determination from her. I pray all the memories you hold close within your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. May our loving God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Take care of yourself.
Rhonda
Jeanne Saarinen says
Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the entire Ries family. Todd shared stories of the many meals and many rosaries he was included in growing up across the road from your family. Pat always made him feel like part of the family…even though she already had her hands full!!! 😉 Her kind nature and enthusiastic compliments of Todd’s talents always warmed my heart. She was also a great friend to my mother in law Susan Mehelich. Pat, rest in the peace of Christ! Well done good and faithful servant. xoxo
Mark Peterson says
Michael, Jonathan and all of the Ries family…My condolences on your loss. I’m sure you have many great memories of her.
Dean Retz says
I am so sorry for all the Ries family. Going back a long way and knowing and working with Steve, and then having
the pleasure of working with Chris, Bill, and Jonathan. All of the Ries family are in my prayers.
God bless.
cheryl boucher says
Catherine and Jonathon
I am so sorry for your loss of your mother. I know how important she was to you all and how much you adored her. Take comfort in your memories and know she is ay peace with your father and sister. You are in my prayers.
Julie Hadley says
To the entire Ries family, I have had the honor of getting to know quite a few members of your wonderful clan. Pat was such a wonderful woman who raised amazing children. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Greg & Carla Haas says
Catherine, Jonathan and the rest of the Ries family, we are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a ray of sunshine wherever she went and will be DEEPLY missed. She had such a kind nature and sweet smile. Her stature was small, but her faith kept her strong. Heaven has gained an angel with her passing. Remember and cherish all the good memories you have had with her over the years She was truly an incredible woman. Greg & Carla Haas
Elizabeth Riggin (daughter) says
Rest in Peace Mom. You are very generous and you will be remembered. The holidays at the Farm were remarkable. Thank you for your hospitality towards everyone who came to the farm. Thank you for caring endlessly towards Theresa, Anne and Dad for many years. ❤
Patrick Foley says
What a tremendous loving person that whoever had the privilege of knowing truly touched our hearts. God bless the Ries family knowing the were given an awesome mom, grandma and great grandma ❤️
Gail Kriskovich says
What a lovely and good person your mother was. Catherine, I think of you often, and will
keep you in my prayers. God bless all of you, and remember LOVE lasts forever.
Gail Kriskovich
Sister Marie Gabrielle says
Dear Ries Family,
How I enjoyed your Mother’s visits, especially with my Mother at the nursing home. Of course we have a long life and many fond memories together as we all were growing up – school and 4-H. Then we had some visits during summer catechism. It is a blessing when I get to see some of you again.
I will remember the soul of your Mother and all of you daily, especially at this time. I have a remembrance card of your Dad in my prayerbook here in the convent and would ask for another one of your Mom. Perhaps Jonathan would send it to me.
May Our Lord and His consoling Mother bless, guide and comfort you,
May your parents send you many blessings from heaven.
Sister Marie Gabrielle – Mary Doubek