Armella Ries Obituary
We bid farewell to Armella Ries (Watertown, South Dakota), whose journey of life gracefully concluded on July 12, 2025 at the age of 96. Armella touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in hearts. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Thomas Lindner and Agnes Lindner (Heyn); her husband Donald John Ries; her siblings, Donald, David, Ronald and Virginia; her great grandchild Birkley Ries; and her siblings-in-law, Donna Lindner, Gayle Lindner, Donna Hanten, Rita Mack, JoAnn Ries, Vernon "Bud" Hanten, DuWayne Mack and Vincent Ries.
She is survived by: her children, Melvin Ries (Orla) of Watertown, Dennis Ries (Lois) of Pierre, Sandra Parkin (Randy) of Watertown, Kenneth Ries (JoAnn) of Clear Lake, Pamela Schamens (Brent) of Watertown and Kayleen Thooft (Rodney) of Brookings; her sister-in-law Eileen Lindner of Watertown; and her grandchildren, Jason Ries (Laura), Amy Kjetland (Jason), Brian Ries (Amy), Todd Ries (Mackenzie), Lisa Kramer (Ryan), Stacie Swanstrom (Josh), Darin Ries (Leah), Trevor Stricherz (Missy), Brent Stricherz (Shanda), Josh Stricherz (Kristen), Missy Eitreim (Tom), Chad Ries (Angela), Paul Ries, Natasha Ronke (Phillip), Seth Schamens, Brett Schamens, Jay Thooft and Alyssa Bracht (Jake). She is also survived by 46 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 16th 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (202 Minnesota Ave, Kranzburg, SD 57245). A rosary was held on Wednesday, July 16th 2025 at 6:30 PM and on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 10:00 AM. A funeral service was held on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 10:30 AM at the same location.
