R. Wayne Ries, 85, of Van Wert, died at 3:20 p.m. April 14, 2007, at Hearth & Home in Van Wert.

He was born Aug. 29, 1921, in Van Wert County, to William Henry and Hazel Iona Farling Ries. On Aug. 30, 1941, he married Leah R. Summersett, who survives.

Also surviving is a son, Robert H., Pelzer, S.C.; two daughters, Nancy (Sonny) Ash, Madison, Ind., and Connie Knittle (Thomas Jones), Arlington, Va.; three sisters, Wanda Prior, Worthington, Ruth Reed, Grover Hill, and Margaret (Clayton) Springer, Van Wert; seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Stephen Wayne; two brothers, Paul and William; a grandson and two great-grandsons.

He was a farmer and a retired minister, who served more than 25 years in several area churches including St. Paul United Methodist Church, Celina, and Montezuma United Methodist Church. He also was a carpenter-millwright with Tuttle Construction, Lima. He was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church, Ohio City.

He attended seminary college at Fort Wayne Bible College, Ind., and was a past member of Gideons International, Van Wert Master Gardeners, Van Wert County Farm Bureau and Ohio Farmers Union.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial is at Tomlinson Cemetery in Mercer County.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Contributions can be made to Fountain Park Home Care, Community Health Professionals, Visiting Nurses, Hospice or the church's building fund.

Condolences can be made at cowanfh@yahoo.com.