Hermina Strecker Ries, or as her friends called her Minnie, died of congestive heart failure at the Rush County Hospital Long Term Care in Lacrosse, Kansas at 7:10 p.m. Friday evening. (06/04/2010)

She was born on January 19, 1921 at the family farm outside of Galatia, the fifth child of George David and Eva Elizabeth Strecker. Her childhood was characterized by hard work, close family fellowship and the daily routine of farm life.

On December 22, 1940 she married Fred (Fritz) Ries at Saint Paul's Congregational Church and together they moved to a farm near Bazine, Kansas. She helped him with his work and was known throughout the community as a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. Every time they visited she would make sure to give them something to take home even if it was no more than a nickel or a cookie to put in their pocket.

She attended Saint Paul's Congregational Church her entire life and was confirmed at the age of 14 by reverend John Höersch who conducted the classes in his native German. In her adult life she joined the Ladies Aid Society and attended faithfully for a long as she could.

She was known as a perfectionist and whatever she did she did well; whether it was making porcelain dolls, sewing clothes, cooking, quilting, crocheting or painting on canvas. If she promised to do something it was as good as done because she was always faithful to her word.

Later in life after she and her husband retired from the farm they did a lot of traveling to Germany, California, Hawaii and other places. She took photographs of their adventures and loved looking through the picture books and remembering the places she had gone with her beloved Fritz
She is survived by three sisters: Rachel Stieben of Bazine, Mildred Foos of Hays, and Arlene Schamaun of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred Henry Ries, by her brothers: Lawrence and Waldimore Strecker and by her sisters: Lydia Strecker, Martha Murphy and Hilda Rein.

She brightened our lives for 89 years and now has gone to be with her Lord. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Monday, 2-9 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Funeral service will be Tuesday, June 8, 10:30 at St. Paul Congregational Church, Bazine with Pastor Sam Flick presiding. Memorials may be given to the church.