Sharon Faith Ries
March 3, 1948 — May 5, 2024
Sharon Faith Ries was born on March 3, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. The daughter of Edmund A. Farrel, and Rachel Naomi Kopp Farrel, Sharon and her sister, Shirley, spent their early lives in Colombia and Chile, South America with their missionary parents. Returning to the United States at age 13, she attended Baldwin Park High School meeting her husband, Raul. Continuing her studies at Mt. San Antonio College for several years, Sharon wed Raul Andrew Ries on July 6, 1968, and then took on the role of full-time wife and mother to what would be three sons: Raul Jr., Shane and Ryan.
Sharon and Raul have ministered together since their first fellowship in his Kung Fu studio in Covina, on to Calvary Chapel West Covina, and finally Calvary Chapel Golden Springs where Sharon and Raul have made their spiritual home. Sharon has led the Calvary Chapel Women’s Ministry for over 40 years teaching and speaking in many parts of the world. Sharon has also been a long-time board member of CCA, Pastors’ Wives’. In addition to writing her own book, My Husband My Maker, Sharon has written several biographical books based on her and her parent’s life and ministry in South America. She has also translated many books and homework into Spanish for Calvary Chapel through Somebody Loves You Publishing. Active in missions, Sharon spearheaded the rebuilding of the El Secreto Mission established by her parents in the 1940’s, now Calvary Chapel Bible College, El Secreto, as well as helped design and remodel the Calvary Chapel Bible school in Villavicencio, Colombia. In recent years, Sharon has been instrumental in the construction of the new conference center in El Secreto, still under construction. She also initiated and directed the remodeling of three sites in Chile, which were used as Calvary Chapel Bible schools in Santiago.
A missionary, a mother and grandmother, a globe-trotter, a warrior of the cross, and a lover of “souls,” Sharon had been a blessing and an inspiration, to not only her family and friends; but to all co-laborers in Christ. From her visionary war camp of “Camp Jubilee,” her beautiful and inviting women’s teas, brilliantly executed retreats, and even her touching, original plays based on spiritual truths, Sharon poured her life into the call God gave to her as a young woman with her passion and perseverance. Sharon was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Bible College.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Raul Andrew Ries, her three sons Raul Jr., Shane and Ryan Ries, two daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, her sister Shirley Evangeline Craver and many friends and spiritual children around the world.
“…He who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Sharon Faith Ries entered eternal rest on May 5, 2024.
Thank You
The family would like to express our love and appreciation for all those who have come to celebrate this special homegoing with us today.
Celebration of Life for Sharon Faith Ries: Join us on May 30th, at 11:00 AM, as we come together at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs to honor and celebrate the life of Sharon Ries, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Condolence for may be sent to the family through our website.
Sharon and Raul have ministered together since their first fellowship in his Kung Fu studio in Covina, on to Calvary Chapel West Covina, and finally Calvary Chapel Golden Springs where Sharon and Raul have made their spiritual home. Sharon has led the Calvary Chapel Women’s Ministry for over 40 years teaching and speaking in many parts of the world. Sharon has also been a long-time board member of CCA, Pastors’ Wives’. In addition to writing her own book, My Husband My Maker, Sharon has written several biographical books based on her and her parent’s life and ministry in South America. She has also translated many books and homework into Spanish for Calvary Chapel through Somebody Loves You Publishing. Active in missions, Sharon spearheaded the rebuilding of the El Secreto Mission established by her parents in the 1940’s, now Calvary Chapel Bible College, El Secreto, as well as helped design and remodel the Calvary Chapel Bible school in Villavicencio, Colombia. In recent years, Sharon has been instrumental in the construction of the new conference center in El Secreto, still under construction. She also initiated and directed the remodeling of three sites in Chile, which were used as Calvary Chapel Bible schools in Santiago.
A missionary, a mother and grandmother, a globe-trotter, a warrior of the cross, and a lover of “souls,” Sharon had been a blessing and an inspiration, to not only her family and friends; but to all co-laborers in Christ. From her visionary war camp of “Camp Jubilee,” her beautiful and inviting women’s teas, brilliantly executed retreats, and even her touching, original plays based on spiritual truths, Sharon poured her life into the call God gave to her as a young woman with her passion and perseverance. Sharon was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Bible College.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Raul Andrew Ries, her three sons Raul Jr., Shane and Ryan Ries, two daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, her sister Shirley Evangeline Craver and many friends and spiritual children around the world.
“…He who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Sharon Faith Ries entered eternal rest on May 5, 2024.
Thank You
The family would like to express our love and appreciation for all those who have come to celebrate this special homegoing with us today.
Celebration of Life for Sharon Faith Ries: Join us on May 30th, at 11:00 AM, as we come together at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs to honor and celebrate the life of Sharon Ries, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Doors open at 10:00 AM.
Condolence for may be sent to the family through our website.
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