Ruth (Irwin) Ryder

Ruth ( Ruthie ) Ryder, a fifty year resident of North Salem died on Friday, February 24, 2023 with her family at her side after a three year struggle with pancreatic cancer. She had spent her final weeks staying at Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, NY where she received the finest compassionate palliative care. Ruthie was born in White Plains Hospital on July 13, 1950 to the late Ruth and Thomas Irwin. She was also pre deceased by her brother Tommy in 1953. In 1971 she married Alan Ryder, whom she had met on a blind date in 1967. Ruthie was raised in Thornwood, NY where she graduated from Westlake High School in 1968. While in high school she enrolled in the BOCES Cosmetology program where she won awards for hairstyling excellence and creativity. She attended the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City after high school.

Ruthie worked for many years as a hairstylist at several salons in the Thornwood area before raising a family. After her children were grown she returned to the workforce. She held part time positions at JCPenney in Danbury while working as a monitor/building aide first in Katonah Elementary School and then at John Jay HS in Cross River.

Ruthie had an artistic aptitude. She took courses in jewelry making, stained glass working, photography, landscape design, and cake decorating. She mastered the process of working with sheetrock and taping. She loved gardening and filled her flower beds with multiple annuals every spring. She became a dog trainer who, with her husband, took part in competitive dog sports with their herding dogs.

Ruthie embraced every day without dread. She looked for the good in everyone, never dwelling on peoples' faults. Her engaging smile, enthusiasm, and can do attitude endeared her to everyone who knew her.

Ruthie is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Alan, a daughter Melissa of North Salem, and a son Justin (Hailey Payne) of Dillon, Colorado.

Please consider making a donation in Ruthie's memory to Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, NY.