Mary R. Ries

Hastings resident Mary R. Ries, 89, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, NE.     

Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 7, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Craig Clinch officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. with family present 5-6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Mary’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page. 

Mary was born April 12, 1935, in Loup City, NE to Robert and Gertrude (Gappa) Lewandowski. She married Bill J. Ries on February 19, 1955, at St. Mary’s Cathedral; he preceded her in death on November 25, 2022.

Mary was a secretary and owner of Cut-Rite Mill Work and Mr. Bill’s Hardware. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Altar Society, and Painter Guild. Mary loved to paint, was good at cross stitch, and made quilts and afghans for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sisters, Jeannie Woestman and Dorothy Smith. 

SURVIVORS:

Children & Spouses:              
    Sherri & Tom Hiatt – Gilbert, AZ

    Lori & Rick McDowell – Hastings, NE

    Scott Ries – Grand Island, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses:    
    Jessica & Ewout VanGarderen

    Jennifer Mattison

    Eric & Courtney Mattison

    Tori Hiatt

    Austin Hiatt

    Amanda & Joe Murman

    Misty & Chris Silva

    Ryan & Cassi McDowell

    Lindy & Joe Hunt

    Cody & Erica McDowell
    Ashley Ries & Fiancé Bradley Browning
    Levi Ries
Great-Grandchildren:            
    14
Brother:                                  
    Ronnie Lewandowski