Ries, Anna Schrag (1877-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Nov 15 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Jan 28

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA RIES

Anna K. (Schrag) Ries, daughter of Jacob K. and Kathrina [sic Katherina] (Gering) Schrag, was born Jan. 28, 1877 in Childstown Township, Dakota Territory.

She was baptized upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior on March 26, 1892 by Rev. Joseph Kaufman and became a member of the Zion Church, where she remained a member till her passing.

She was married to Pete Ries on Oct. 6, 1893, but after a brief illness he passed away seven weeks later in November 1893.

In the spring of 1917 she moved to Freman [sic Freeman] and became housemother to many teachers and students. Perhaps due to her loneliness as a widow, and without children of her own, Anna acquired a hospitality of such nature that she was looked upon as a “second mother” to those coming from a distance and staying with her for their school terms.

Due to illness (hardening of the arteries) she became helpless and left her home in 1962, staying with Mrs. Emil Schrag, a sister-in-law with whom she was closely knit, because Sophie made her home with Anna prior to her marriage. Later she also stayed with her sister, Mrs. P. C. Gering.

For the last four years she stayed at the Nancy Nursing Home in Yankton, S. D. where she received good care till death ended her earthly pilgrimage on Oct. 11. She reached the age of 85 years, eight months and 13 days.

Surviving are two half sisters, Mrs. Alvina Dalke and Mrs. Christ. Pankratz; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Emil Schrag; two half-brothers, Chas. J. Schrag and Jacob J. Schrag.

Those who are no blood relation, yet through a third marriage belong to the family are Mrs. Oliver Kaufman, Mrs. Wilmer Fensel and Henry K. Miller of Sioux Falls, S. D.

The funeral service was held at the Salem (South) Mennonite Church on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 13, with Rev. J. Herbert Fretz officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1962 Nov 13 p. 732