Giovanna Kathleen (Cunningham) RIES

RIES, IMUS, CUNNINGHAM, COLLINS, RIDENOUR, BAKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/25/2012 at 16:25:50

October 29, 1918 --- March 18, 2012

Des Moines, IA -- Giovanna "Gi" Kathleen Ries, 93, died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines. She donated her body to the University of Iowa Medical School. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, of which she was a member.

Giovanna was born on October 29, 1918 in Hardy, IA to John A. E. and Agnes (Imus) Cunningham. She graduated from Cumberland High School and Simpson College. She worked as an administrative assistant for Central Life Assurance Company, Grace United Methodist Church and the State of Iowa House of Representatives before retiring in 1988.

Giovanna served on the Simpson Alumni Board of Directors and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She volunteered for First United Methodist Church and the Des Moines Art Center. As an athlete, Gi played in the 1936 Girls State Basketball Tournament and later enjoyed tennis. She was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed attending the Des Moines Symphony and other Arts programs.

Gi is survived by her husband of 59 years, Roger Ries; sister, Thora C. Collins; and several nieces and nephews including, Jerald (Melinda) Collins, Carl (Bobbie) Collins, Richard (Carol) Ridenour and Robert (JoAnne) Ridenour. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Zella Ridenour, John Cunningham, Jr., Jerald Cunningham and Burdene Baker.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church.

Des Moines Register -- Iowa
March 20, 2012