Ruth Ann Ries

1939 - 2024

Milton, WI - Ruth Ann Leary Ries, age 85, of Milton, died on September 24, 2024 at Milton Senior Living Center. She was born in Prairie du Chien on June 24, 1939, the daughter of Claude Leary and Dorothy Finley Leary and grew up on a farm in Seneca Township. She graduated from Seneca High School in 1957 and La Crosse State College in 1961 and began her teaching career in Greendale, WI. On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1963, Ruth Ann married Robert (Bob) Ries at St. Olaf's Church in De Forest. She took a "time out" from teaching after the birth of her three sons: Tim, Joe, and Patrick. After moving to Milton, Ruth Ann taught at the elementary level for 23 years. She was a member of St. Mary Church and a volunteer at the Milton Public Library. She enjoyed traveling, bird watching, and Wisconsin sports as you could always count on her watching the Brewers on tv or listening to them on the radio.

Ruth Ann is survived by her sons, Tim (Mary) Ries of Parrish, FL, Joe (Stephanie Weiss) Ries of Stevens Point, Patrick (Joan) Ries of Milton; grandchildren Megan (Kaylee) Bruneau-Ries and Mitchell Ries of Stevens Point, step-grandson Bryce Peterson of Fort Collins, CO and siblings Jane Wadell, John (Jan) Leary, Jim (Vicki Smith) Leary, Pat (Tim) Lubinsky, and Joanna (Bill) Gaynor. She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister, Eileen Dickman, and parents.

The family would like to thank the staff of Milton Senior Living Center and Agrace Hospice for their outstanding care and support of Ruth Ann.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 4, at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Milton. Visitation will be from 9:30 until time of service at St. Mary Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Milton Public Library, or The Gathering Place.