TRYON, NC - Helen Grace Ries, born July 21, 1919 to Aaron and Helen Strong in Dearborn, MI, passed away on June 12, 2009 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC. Helen Grace met Richard G. Ries at Grace Hospital in Detroit, MI. Following his military service in WWII they were married. They remained at Grace Hospital with Helen Grace being the RN in charge of obstetrics and while Richard completed his residency in obstetrics, after which they moved to Jackson, MI. Helen Grace was very active in the Jackson community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, was a member of the Jackson County Medical Society Auxiliary, the Ellis Sharp Park Museum, First Presbyterian Church, Winterset, Jackson Country Club and Nomads. She loved nature and being on the water and was an avid hiker and birder. She taught wildflower classes and guided children's school groups at Hidden Lake Gardens. She had an endless passion for world travel, particularly remote islands. In 1972, they bought a home on Beaver Island in MI, but warmer winters were enjoyed in Tryon, NC. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard, daughter, Kris, son, Granner, and two grandchildren, Emily and Aaron. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722. A private memorial service will be held at Beaver Island in MI.
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