Theresa Ida Fries

Theresa Ida Chriske Fries joined her husband of over 55 years, Stan, when she passed away peacefully, a year and a day after him, on October 21, 2025, at age 85, surrounded by her children and family. Theresa was born April 2, 1940, to Ernest and Helen (Short) Chriske, the first of six children. They lived outside of White Sulphur Springs at the time, and being her mother's first baby, Dr. Nash felt the extravagance of a hospital birth, versus the usual midwife birth, would be best. She was born at the Townsend hospital, with a total delivery bill of a whopping $105. Theresa grew up on the family ranch at the foot of Flathead Pass, with her sisters Elveira "Sissy," Karen, Alta, Marla, and brother, Guy, and went to school in nearby Sedan and Wilsall.

Theresa met Phillip Stanley Fries, when he and his partner in crime, Eldon Chapman, came to the ranch to supply her recently widowed mother, Helen, with firewood. Theresa and the love of her life, Stan, married on June 21, 1969, and raised their family in Deer Lodge. Theresa made the family home and worked as a crossing guard and playground aide for the Deer Lodge schools, where she will be remembered by generations of Deer Lodge children for her quiet kindness, all the while supporting Stan as a prison guard, ditch rider, and gardening addict.

Theresa will be remembered for her devotion to family. She never missed a special or important occasion, and could often be found at gatherings making the rounds with her camera, capturing the moments and preserving the memories. Theresa enjoyed reading, crosswords, and wielded an extensive vocabulary, not to mention appreciating a good yard sale. She savored greeting the morning with a cup of tea or sharing one with friends or family, and enjoyed letting her inner night owl stretch its wings when occasionally possible. Theresa was a devoted woman of faith, and a loyal perennial member of her First Baptist Church family, where she also taught children in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, including teaching a class with her dear friend, Verna. She was active in her community through activities and efforts including the Ladies' VFW Auxiliary, and cancer society. She was also an inaugural and longest-serving tour guide at the historic Old Montana Prison, sharing this local legacy and many of Stan's and his friends' prison guard stories with locals and visitors.

Theresa and Stan enjoyed their community, neighbors, and family. For many years, they adopted a section of Interstate 90 near their home that they dutifully walked and cleared of litter. And, they were always sure to spread the wealth of their garden harvest. Theresa and Stan took many a road trip over the years, around the state, and a few out of state to visit family. They could also be found enjoying the music at the monthly Old Time Fiddlers' Jams around western Montana, and the weekly Jammers playing in Deer Lodge.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Stan; her parents, Ernest and Helen; and her sisters, Karen, and Marla. She is survived by her sisters, Elveira "Sissy," and Alta; brother, Guy; daughters, Wanda (Ray) Mellinger, and Lynn (Luis) Torres; son, Theran (Janice) Fries; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 127 Sam Beck Rd., Deer Lodge, MT 59722, with a visitation beginning at 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A reception will follow the graveside services, at the Deer Lodge Elks 1737 at about 1:00 pm.

Memorials in honor of Theresa are suggested to the Deer Lodge VFW or Honor Guard.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Theresa.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Theresa and her family.