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 accepted Christ as her Savior as a child and followed Jesus wholeheartedly all her life. As a member of the Wesleyan church, she faithfully attended and supported the church at Ridge, and then at Biddle. She was also a faithful member of Ridge Camp.
Even as a toddler, Patty loved to sing. Her favorite song was “Standing On The Promises”. She would stand on the church pew wearing her little red dress (which was always her favorite color) and belt it out!! She had a big soprano voice and was often complimented on it. Patty led the singing at church and sang solos, duets, and with groups. As a young girl, she won the title of “queen” for memorizing a great number of bible verses.
Following high school, Patty chose ranching as a career and participated in all aspects of life on the ranch. Patty attended a workshop in Colorado to learn to pregnancy test cattle and perform c-sections on them as well.
On the ranch, everyone worked hard, including Patty. Every summer Patty prepared the garden for Penny. Patty also cared for chickens every summer. She blessed her family and friends with eggs. She enjoyed using the bobcat for ranch chores, her younger nieces and nephews loved to go “bobcatting” with Aunt 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. She often caught people off guard with her remarks.
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. Patty helped keep track of all her siblings, nieces and nephews lives and loved us all, regardless of our circumstances, and could always be counted on to pray for all of us. Her life was such a blessing to all who knew her.
After her mom’s death, Patty learned to provide personal care for Penny who had become a paraplegic in a tragic accident. 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 qualify to work there.
Together in death on January 18, 2025, were Penny Jean Riesland, Patty Rae Riesland, and Barbara Jean Riesland. Preceding Patty in death were Elmo and Jean Riesland, parents, and Laura Ruth Riesland, sister and Jonathan and Andrew Trouten, nephews.
Survivors include her siblings: Clark (Ruby) Riesland, Pamela Riesland, Polly (Bruce) Ashland, Curt (Miriam) Riesland, and Priscilla (Adrian) Timmons and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and cousins.
Even without having children of her own, she acted as if each one of the kids were one of hers, not taking anything away from the other parents but still loving and caring for them as if each of them were her own with the love and understanding that only a parent would have. Her great nieces and nephews were more like grandchildren to them and the love and care along with the examples they led will never be forgotten.
Patty Riesland, age 69, of Broadus
May 27, 1955 – January 18, 2025
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.