Mary Ellen "Mitzi" Ries, 81, of Effingham, died at 7:20 p.m., Monday, February 21, 2011 at lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2011 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to A.H.A.

Mitzi was born November 24, 1929 in Effingham, the daughter of Louis and Clara (Meyer) Thoele. She married Walter W. "Walt" Ries on February 18, 1950. Mitzi was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham.

She is survived by one son, Mark (Jane) of Effingham; three daughters, Lynn Meek, Terry (David) Meyer, Lisa (Keith) Eirhart all of Effingham; one sister, Peggy Percival of Decatur; daughter-in-law, Sharon Ries of Effingham; seven grandchildren, Dustin and Daniel Eirhart, Rebecca Kreke, Erin Haynes, Amanda and Christopher Meyer, Kristina Hemrich; ten great grandchildren, Kiara, Keegan, Talan, Bryce, Ashley, Trevor, Gabrielle, Colby, Alex and Aden.

Mitzi is preceeded in death by her parents; husband; son, Jack; great grandchild, Reece Meek; sister, Phyllis Lueken; son in law, Michl Meek; two brother-in-laws.