Penny Jean Riesland was born August 26, 1952 to Elmo and Jean Riesland at the little house at Ridge, Montana, with Grandma Madden attending. Penny attended country school at Bowers school for first grade, Biddle school for second grade, then Ridge school through eighth grade. Penny graduated from Powder River High School in Broadus, Montana in 1970.
Penny and her sister Patty 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. Penny acted as treasurer for the Biddle church for many years. Together they enjoyed singing and making music. Penny enjoyed playing the piano by ear. They both always felt a responsibility to do whatever they could for the Lord, including cooking for shared Sunday meals following church services.
Following high school for each of them, they chose ranching as a career and participated in all aspects of life on the ranch. On the ranch, everyone worked hard including Penny. Penny especially loved riding horses and working outside on the ranch. Elmo called Penny “the peacemaker” when the family was young. She tried to keep the peace whenever there was a loud or even physical disagreement.
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. 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 always trusted God would heal her, always going forward for prayer in healing services. A couple days after the fire, their six-year-old grandniece awoke from a nap and told her Mom, “I just saw Penny walking Twixy (Twixy was Penny’s dog)”. Those words from a child’s vision express Penny’s reality now. Penny and Patty are walking all over heaven without any limits.
Penny was the one who held the family together. She was the family historian, keeping track of all the comings and goings. Penny remembered her siblings’ birthdays every year by calling the birthday person. She kept the family photos. She listened to the hurts and pains, as well as the joys and celebrations for all of us, from her brothers and sisters all the way to the youngest grandnieces and grandnephews. 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 we are here, together, now, to honor the memory of Penny and Patty. 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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Judy Denson-Keller says
Clark, Pam, Polly, Curt, Priscilla and families, Words can’t even begin to describe how my heart aches for all of you. I first met Penny when I spent the first of many weekends with the Rieslands. Penny always had the most beautiful smile and had the sweetest, sunniest disposition ever known. There were a lot of good memories made during those weekends. Penny had a beautiful singing voice and was so good with babies. I remember when she soothed a fussy baby during church. Even though we departed ways, I often thought of and still do think of the Rieslands. I am happy that Penny is now able to walk again and take ‘Walks with TWIXY!’. Penny was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. May she REST IN PEACE! 🕊️