Dory J. Ries

Dory J. Ries, age 61, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Prairie Lakes Healthcare Center in Watertown, SD.   Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Father Shawn Haggerty will officiate.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 12-2 p.m. 

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown, SD. Honorary pallbearers will be all of her siblings, nieces, and nephews.  Active pallbearers will be Justice Ries, Jaadon Ries, Derick Mack, Kassie VanMeveren, Kylie Inlow and Kaigen Stinson.

Dory Jean was born April 30th, 1962 in Watertown, SD to Robert J. Sr. and Treva Jean M. (Hamann) Ries. Dory was baptized, made Holy Communion, and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she maintained her faith her entire life. Dory attended school in Watertown and graduated from Watertown Senior High, a member of the class of 1980. Dory furthered her education by attending Lake Area Technical Institute not once, but twice. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, spending the majority of her life working with adults with developmental disabilities. She also worked for Prairie Lakes Hospital in the surgical unit.

On September 8th, 1999, her greatest achievements happened; Dory became the mother of her sons, Justice James and Jaadon Robert.  They were her reason to exist and to continue trying.

Dory enjoyed making people smile, which is probably why she enjoyed doing things that others were afraid to do. She loved reading, catching rays, plants, and helping wherever she could. As the twins got older, she included them in her volunteering at Jenkins Living Center and the Human Service Agency. This laid out the foundation to their career choices, Nursing/Paramedicine and Firefighting, respectively. 

Animals were her passion; you would always find her home filled with dogs, cats, birds, and fish.  She loved old western shows and anything to do with animals.  She was an avid Packer’s fan. Dory was definitely a free spirit and she did what she chose. Nothing, or no one, could change that.

Dory Jean is survived by her sons; Justice James Ries (Breckin Steilen) of Sioux Falls, SD, Jaadon Robert Ries of Burnsville, MN; her siblings, Mary Beth Stinson of Watertown, SD, Jody Anne (Dean Sr.) Shultz of Watertown, SD, Bobby Jim Ries of Brookings, SD, Kary Lynn (Kevan) Salisbury of Watertown, SD, Jony Kaye (Kevin) Compaan of Watertown, SD, Roxy Rene' (Jeff) Griffin of Watertown, SD, Kely Dion Bonner of Phoenix, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Jim Stinson.

Dory Jean was always seen with a smile, we hope your lasting memories of her can bring a similar smile to you.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

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