Elaine May (Jensen) Ries

Elaine passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. Luke’s Home in Dickinson.

Elaine May was born December 15, 1932 in Lisbon, ND, the daughter of Vernon and Dagmar (Christensen) Jensen.  She graduated from Lisbon High School in 1951.  Elaine married LaRay Ries on June 7, 1952 in her home town. Together they farmed southwest of Lisbon where they also raised their four children.  Elaine and LaRay farmed until 1973, before moving into Lisbon.  She was a bookkeeper for South Side Repair, helped at Kelsen’s Bakery and was the owner/operator of “The Book Gallery” in Lisbon until 1985.  In 2006, Elaine and LaRay moved to Dickinson.  Her final move was in May 2017 when St. Luke’s became her home.  Elaine was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Lisbon, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson and Lisbon Business & Professional Women.  In her early days, Elaine was a religious education instructor.  She continued to give of her time, volunteering at CHI Hospital from 2007-2016.

Elaine is survived by her husband, LaRay of 66 years; daughter, Marianne (Blaine) Hoffman of Gladstone and their son, Tyler (Sarah) Hoffman; sons, Gordy (Kim) Ries of Aurora, CO and their children, Aja (Brian) Tibbs and Annabelle; Cody (Debbie) Ries and Sloane, Hayden, Charlie; John (Paula) Ries of Bismarck and their children, Adam (fiancé-Abby Beehler), Kate (Ryan) Waechter, Marley Joe, Wade, and Rachel Ries; daughter-in-law, Janea Ries and her children, Ryan, Savanah and Jacob Ries; brother, Jim (Norma) Jensen of Lisbon.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert (8/2017); brother, Roger Jensen; and her parents.

*Lunch will follow graveside service at Armstrong Funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine May (Jensen) Ries, please visit our floral store.