

Gale entered the world November 19, 1951 to parents Alvin & Dorothy (Miller) Ries, the fourth of eight children. She attended Belleville High School and graduated from Willow Run High School in 1969. Gale was a Senior Microfiche Specialist with ProQuest, Inc., of Ann Arbor, for over 30 years and enjoyed immensely the work she did, taking pride in a job well done. Those who knew her say she was the most compassionate person they’ve ever met. She spent her life caring for others (people and animals) and fiercely loved her family. Gale was hard working, honest, true and loyal, and always ready to help anyone. A more unconditional friend could never be found anywhere. She was the glue that held everyone and everything together.
She had a passion for ancestry and genealogy and was always up for an adventure, including skydiving, ziplining, parasailing and traveling, though not rollercoasters. She loved going for walks, including countless 5k races, throughout her lifetime. She loved relaxing by an open fire, watching awesome thunder & lightning storms, and being amongst trees. Hartwick Pines was her favorite place to be.
Gale was preceded in death by her parents Alvin & Dorothy (Miller) Ries; sister-in-law Carol Ries; and brothers Chuck Ries and Jerry (Patti) Ries.
She is survived by her life partner Don Kepler, Jr. (JR); daughters Carol Lemke; Amy (Jeremy) De Leon; and Jodi (Matt) Foley; grandchildren Will (Kristine) Lemke; Jon Lemke; Amanda Lemke; Amaya & Solara De Leon; and great grandchildren Faith & Oaklyn Lemke; siblings Richard Ries; Michael (Donna) Ries; Dennis Ries; Linda Varner; Cathy Melvin, a large extended family and countless friends who already miss her dearly.
Cremation has taken place as per Gale’s wishes. Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 11:00am. Memorial service begins at 12:00pm and will be followed by a luncheon ending at 4:00pm. A Laotian Buddhist gong, one of Gale’s many treasured possessions, will be on-hand for guests to provide Gale a farewell with the sound she found so soothing and relaxing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gale’s name to: The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF), Huron Valley Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.
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