Margaret Mary Ries

She was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on February 25, 1922. She married William Harland Ries on February 13, 1939 in Sparta, Wisconsin and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Two daughters were born, Carole Anne in 1940 and Patricia Jean in 1941. Shortly thereafter William joined the Army and served in the European Theatre of World War II, returning in 1945. It was during this time that Margaret began writing poetry and would do so for the rest of her life, commenting beautifully on the world around her.

Three more daughters would be born while in Cleveland: Constance Marie, Kathleen Christine, and Nancy Elizabeth. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1956, and later two sons were born: Brian William and Richard Harland. While in Colorado Springs, Margaret began reading her poetry on radio station KCME and was known affectionately as “Mother Margaret”. Her poetry has been a source of enjoyment and pride for her family and everyone who knew her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband William in 1986, and her daughter Patricia Collar in 2010. She is survived by her daughter Carole Woolman of Longmont, CO, daughter Connie Patton of Austin, TX, daughter Kathy Ries of Houston, TX, daughter Nancy Wooton of Dallas, TX, son Brian Ries of Denver, CO and son Richard Ries of Denver, CO. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

No funeral services are planned. Inurnment will be at Memorial Gardens in Colorado Springs, CO with a small family gathering of remembrance.

Contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.