Janet Helen (Kalmes) Ries November 16, 1944 - June 22, 2013

Janet Helen (Kalmes) Ries, 68, of Sisters, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 22, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Jan was born November 16, 1944 in Rollingstone, MN to Edward and Helen (Gengler) Kalmes. She married John Ries on August 8, 1964 and they were married almost 49 years, during which time John's military service took them to Hawaii and Colorado. After the Army years they settled in North Bend, Oregon, where they lived for 25 years and then retired to Sisters where they have lived since 2001.

Janet loved spending time with family and friends, playing cards and games, and especially hosting Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations each year. She also enjoyed travelling, sewing and quilting and was a wonderful cook. She was an avid sports fan, always attending her kids and grandkids games, and most especially cheering for her beloved Oregon Ducks.

Jan and John have both been very active in their church parishes over the years. Most recently, at St. Edward's in Sisters, Jan sang in the choir and assisted with many aspects of parish management. Jan also volunteered at the Sisters Library where she enjoyed shelving materials and serving on the Friends of the Sisters Library Board.

Janet is survived by her husband, John; their three children and spouses and six grandchildren: Michele and Brent Caldwell and their sons, Chris and Ben of Tigard; Jennifer & Doug Meltzer and their daughters, Emily and Alyssa of Salem; Dan & Tracy Ries and their children, Jack and Abby, of Sydney, Australia. She is also survived by her sisters and sister-in-law, Joan (Kalmes) Hartert of Wabasha, MN; Jean (Kalmes) Kertzman of Winona, MN; Jane (Kalmes) Walch Roth, currently residing in Canon Falls, MN; and Louise Kalmes of Rollingstone, MN.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Helen; and her brother, Jim Kalmes.

A funeral mass for Jan will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church in Sisters. In lieu of flowers, Jan's family suggests memorial donations be made to the Friends of the Sisters Library.