Patty Rae Riesland was born to Elmo and Jean Riesland on May 27, 1955 at the hospital in Belle Fourche, SD. The Rieslands were living at Ridge in the little house at that time. After she attended the country school at Ridge through the eighth grade. Patty graduated from Power River High School in Broadus, Montana in 1973.
Patty and her sister Penny were best friends as well as sisters. Each of them accepted Christ as her Savior as a child. They followed Jesus wholeheartedly the rest of their lives. As members of the Wesleyan church, they faithfully attended and supported the church at Ridge, and then at Biddle. They were also faithful members of Ridge Camp. Together they enjoyed singing and making music. Patty led the singing at church and sang special songs. She and Penny always felt a responsibility to do whatever they could for the Lord, including cooking for shared Sunday meals following church services.
Following high school, Patty chose ranching as a career and participated in all aspects of life on the ranch. On the ranch, everyone worked hard, including Patty. She was a strong support person. Patty never talked very much, though she was consistently dependable. When she did talk, one tended to listen because of her quick wit. In her spare minutes, Patty enjoyed reading and craft work. She loved making calendars for people for Christmas. She was always interested in the lives of her extended family.
Due to a ranch accident in January 1986, Penny experienced life-changing paraplegia. Her mother cared for Penny’s personal needs until Jean’s death. Then Patty learned to provide personal care for Penny. Patty trained their niece Barbie to provide personal care. One would work primarily as a ranch hand and the other would work primarily as a caregiver though they both helped Curt and each other when needed. Every summer Patty prepared the garden for Penny. Even in her wheelchair Penny planted, harvested, and canned produce with Patty’s help. Patty also cared for chickens every summer. She blessed many of us, friends and family, with eggs. The last time Penny and Patty were at Craig Hospital in Denver, the nurses and doctors complimented Patty on her care of Penny and said if she ever needed another job she could definitely qualify to work there. Penny and Patty are walking all over heaven without any limits.
Patty helped Penny keep track of the family. They both loved us all, regardless of our circumstances, and they prayed for all of us. Their lives were a blessing to all who knew them. Although Patty and Penny never had kids of their own, they were “pseudo” parents to their nieces and nephews. They shared their love, time, and support whenever and however it was needed. They were a priceless asset to all of them.
Last summer at the Riesland family reunion, Penny requested that we have an Elmo Riesland Family Reunion. She wanted us all to get together and just visit, enjoying each other’s company. It feels bittersweet that our family will gather, now, to honor the memory of Patty and Penny. We are so much richer because of the love they shared with all of us.
Together in death on January 18, 2025, were Penny Jean Riesland, Patty Rae Riesland, and Barbara Jean Riesland. Preceding Penny and Patty in death were Elmo and Jean Riesland, parents, and Laura Ruth Riesland, sister.
Survivors include Clark (Ruby) Riesland, Pamela Riesland, Polly (Bruce) Ashland, Curt (Miriam) Riesland, and Priscilla (Adrian) Timmons and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Pam Nisley says
We care for all of you, her loved ones!
I always enjoyed our visits when we chanced to meet.
Prayers continue with hugs ❤️!
Marie Nelson says
I’m so glad I was able to know Patty and Penny. I’ve enjoyed knowing them because they were very special. I have seen Patty and had the privilege to take care of her. However,it has been years since I’ve seen Penny. Tom and I are praying 🙏 for all of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Robin Rumph says
I grew up knowing the Riesland girls through church and camp The last time I saw Patty and Penny was at my Sisters funeral in typically Patty fashion she hoped out of the truck and gave me a big hug Both Penny and her were kind caring women
Judy Denson-Keller says
Clark, Pam, Polly, Curt, Priscilla and families, words can’t describe how much my heart breaks for all of you. I’ve known all of you since highschool and we spent so many weekends together and created good so many good memories together. I remember during our highschool years how all of us would ‘hang out’ in our ‘FAVORITE SEMINAR ROOM’ while eating lunch. While the rest of us were loudly grumbling about our ‘unfair assignments,’ Patty would be quietly engrossed in one of her books. One day, she burst out in one of her ‘LOUD SNICKERS.’ When asked ‘What was so funny’ she read to us a passage from the book about a little boy doing a ‘BRONX CHEER’ in church. The whole room erupted in laughter and we forgot about our ‘unfair assignment’ problems. Even though we went our separate ways, I often think of the Rieslands. I now say a prayer everytime I drive by the Belle Creek turnoffs while on my way to visit my Mom. My heart, thoughts, prayers and hugs are with all of the Rieslands. May Patty’s soul rest in peace.
Carolyn E Hays says
I can’t even begin to express how sad I am for these wonderful people. I’ve known Patty & Penny since they were little girls. This has to be an awful burden for the rest of the family. My prayers are with all of you. Been a long time since I’ve seen any of the family, but you are all firmly in my memories. May you find peace with the lord. Cooky (Roger Warford’s granddaughter.