Daryl's Obituary
Aurelia Daryl Tua Ries, aged 86, of Great Falls, MT, retired professional nurse, educator, and researcher, joined her beloved husband, Wes, in heaven on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Daryl was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1937 where the family lived until 1949 when mother and daughter moved to Miami, FL upon the death of her father. She graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1955 and then attended Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958. She attended the University of Miami School of Nursing, graduating in 1967 with the BSN. Subsequently she received a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Washington School of Nursing in 1968. In 1981 she was awarded the Ph. D in Education from the University of Miami School of Education.
She has worked as an RN for 43 years in acute care in a variety of hospitals in Miami (FL), Lincoln (NE) and Seattle (WA). Additionally, she spent 39 years as an educator and researcher in higher education in nursing at the University of Miami and Montana State University, College of Nursing. Throughout her lengthy career, her love of nursing and education were demonstrated in the provision of excellence in nursing care, research, and mentorship of students. Daryl taught and mentored thousands of nursing students and nursing educators throughout the years. Many people in the medical field would not be where they are today without Daryl’s wisdom and guidance. Prior to retirement, Daryl partnered with tribal leaders to institute a cultural immersion class, taking nursing students to learn about the Blackfeet Nation from the tribal members themselves. In 2005, she and a friend developed and led a weekly support group for women survivors of breast cancer at the Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute until her death.
In 1960, she married Edward G. Kendall in Nebraska. In 1968, she married Stephen F. Nagel in Seattle. Both marriages ended in divorce. In 1984 she married husband, Wesley G. Ries, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Hialeah, FL.
Daryl and Wes were members of New Hope Lutheran Church in Great Falls, MT where both had been active in church work.
Daryl had many hobbies throughout her life. She was an avid member of the Florida Trail Association and hiked and camped throughout Florida, especially loving the Everglades. She was a serious bird watcher. She loved swimming, sailing, fishing, and traveling. She and Wes traveled many times to Greece, returning for the beauty of the land, the wonderful food, and the extremely friendly and hospitable people. In her later years she developed skill in weaving and traveled to classes and fiber shows in the US and Canada. Throughout her life she has been a devoted animal lover and shared her life with pet dogs and most lately beloved cats who loved to travel with the family in their small motor home.
Daryl is survived by paternal relatives of Latrobe, PA and maternal relatives of Ohio and PA. She was predeceased by father, Aurelio Michael Tua of Pittsburgh (1949); mother, Corrinne Mae Shannon Tua of Miami (1983); half-brother, Edward Lewis Buffington of Lake City, FL (1996); 2 nephews and 1 niece; and many aunts and uncles. Beloved husband, Wes, predeceased her on Christmas morning, 2022. She was fortunate to have a stepdaughter, Kris McHugh; and grandchildren, Kate (Steven) and Billy (Danielle) in her later life. She and Wes were blessed also with two great-grandchildren, Harvey and Riley of NC. She believed she would follow her beloved pets Punky, Jet, Kiki, Spider, Rascal, and Gabby into the next life. Leo and Lucy Lu will miss her. Daryl is also survived by numerous close friends including Bill and Juanita McGregor; Vince and Susan Luparell; Ron, Rhonda, Mitchell, and Nathan Zobrak; Carla Lux; Gary Lux; and Patty Harrison.
Cremation has been arranged through Schnider Funeral Home in Great Falls. No services are planned. Memorials are suggested to the University of Washington School of Nursing or any animal rescue/no-kill group of donor’s choice.
