RITTMAN ‒ Funeral arrangements and calling hours have been made for police Sgt. Scott D. Ries, who died in the line of duty after being shot while responding to a call about a disturbance at a house on Chippewa Trail.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 9 at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. June 10 at the same location. Burial will follow at Rittman Cemetery, 14300 Decourcey Road.
The obituary posted online by the Auble-Gillman Funeral Home said the Marshallville man died “from injuries sustained in the line of duty while faithfully serving his community.”
“Scott’s legacy of service, honor, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He gave his life in service to others, and his sacrifice, dedication, and example will never be forgotten,” the memorial tribute said.
Ries, 54, was a Barberton native and 1990 Chippewa High School graduate who attended The Ohio State University and later Hocking College, where he earned associate degrees in police science and fish and wildlife management.
Sgt. Scott Ries had ‘a marriage built on love, devotion, and family’
“On May 10, 1997, he married the love of his life, Michelle Dawn Carpenter, in Logan, Ohio, beginning a marriage built on love, devotion, and family,” the obituary says.
Ries spent nearly three decades in law enforcement, serving with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office from 1996 to 2015 before joining the Rittman Police Department in 2015.
“Throughout his career, he was known for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. He served on local SWAT teams and assisted with special investigations, earning the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless members of the community. His courage, compassion, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him,” the memorial tribiute says.
Scott Ries was involved in the community
Ries was a member of the Doylestown Lions Club, the Chippewa High School Athletic Booster Club and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 94.
“He found joy in fishing, especially recent trips to Lake Erie, hunting, walking his beloved dog, and spending time outdoors,” his obituary says.
“One of Scott’s greatest passions was coaching young athletes,” it says. “Whether on the football field at Chippewa Middle School, the softball diamond, or with the Ohio Stampede travel softball organization, he invested countless hours mentoring, encouraging, and developing young people. His influence reached far beyond wins and losses, helping shape confidence, character, and lifelong memories.
“Above all else, Scott was a devoted husband, an exceptional father, and a dedicated family man. His wife and daughters were the center of his world, and he took immense pride in supporting, encouraging, and loving them in everything they pursued. He believed in doing things the right way, never settling for less than his best. Dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to lend a helping hand, Scott became a trusted resource and mentor to many. Through his generosity, wisdom, and example, he made a meaningful difference in countless lives.”
In addition to his wife, Ries is survived by daughters Abby Ries and Maddie Ries, mother Janelle Ries of Rittman, brother Kevin (Meleah) Ries of Rittman, and niece and nephew Shelby and Trace Ries, both of Rittman.
He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Ries.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the family through a GoFundMe account at www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-family-of-sgt-scott-ries.
His funeral will be shown in a live webcast at northsideweb.org/memorialservice.
In addition to Ries, Christine McWilliams, 43, and her daughter, McKinley McWilliams, 13, were fatally shot in apparent homicides at the incident on Chippewa Trail. The suspect and Christine’s former partner, Brandon Fazekas, 38, died from a gunshot wound consistent with suicide.
Four officers from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office were shot, as was a K9 from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
No funeral arrangements have been announced for the McWilliamses or Fazekas.
Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Sgt. Scott Ries remembered for ‘unwavering love.’ Funeral service set
Reporting by Nancy Molnar, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Nancy Molnar, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
