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Leza Michelle (Wages) Ries, 55, of Larsen, Wisconsin, stepped into the healing arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, after a four-year battle with cancer.

Leza was born to James O. Wages Sr. and Leomi K. (Rentz) Wages on August 29, 1968, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leza grew up in Worland, WY with her 3 younger siblings. She was active growing up in Girl Scouts, 4-H, FFA, and the Worland Methodist Church. Many precious memories of the county fair with her various animals, fishing at Meadowlark, and family canasta nights. She graduated from Worland Senior High School in 1986 and attended Northwest Community College and the University of Wyoming.

While attending college in Powell, Wyoming Leza met Mark Ries. She would later tell her dad that this was the guy she was going to marry. Leza and Mark’s friendship grew throughout the years until they were joined in marriage July 29, 1997 in Cheyenne, WY. A beautiful wedding was a grand start to a wonderful life together. They shared the enjoyment of traveling, growing their garden, spoiling their fur babies, and adoring their many nieces and nephews.

Leza was a lifelong crafter of various talents. The love of which came from her grandmothers, parents, or learned through her childhood activities. She did everything from impressive cross stitching, crocheting, beadwork, and diamond art, which was a shared joy between her and Mark. She always had a project within arm’s reach and graced her family and friends with her beautiful creations.

Leza was preceded in death by her parents, James Sr. and Leomi Wages; Mark's parents, Ron Ries and Lynn Lind; her Uncle Rolla Rentz; and cousin, Keith Rutherford.

Leza is survived by her husband, Mark Ries, of Larsen, WI; her siblings, Harold (Sheri) Wages II, of Cody, WY; Jamie (Tom) Day, of Worland, WY; Major James O. Wages Jr. (Andrea), of Palmer, AK; and brother-in-law, Ron (Alba) Ries, of Meridian, MS. Leza is also survived by a vast extended family that she held dearly.

Leza will be missed immensely, her loving spirit will stay in our hearts forever. Her lasting memory will be the sweetest wife, daughter, sister, and friend anyone could ever imagine. John 16:22 tells “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Leza’s celebration of life will be held at MillCity Church 120 Lake St. Neenah, Wisconsin on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. and then in Worland, WY at the Zion Church 1500 Circle Rd. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Byers officiating. Interment will be held in Hamilton, MT on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne, WI is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.