RYDER, LaVonne Catherine

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 1, 2009 LaVonne Catherine Ryder, 71, went home to be with her Lord Dec. 28, 2008, at her daughter's home in Lakeside surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 28, 1937, in Crawford, Neb., to Catherine and Florian Konrath. Her parents moved to Glenrock, Wyo., in 1952, and she graduated from Glenrock Parkerton high School in 1956. She married Edward Keith Ryder March 2, 1957, in Glenrock and they had four children. They made their home in Casper for over 20 years before moving to Arizona and Texas and then to Vernon where they have resided since 1996. In Casper she worked for Casper Multiple Listing Real Estate and in Vernon for the Vernon Elementary School for over 13 years. She was the fundraiser for the community and helped the school, fire department and was the guiding influence in developing the Vernon Community Park. She loved decorating the park at Christmas and for several years did the Walk of Lights. She was a member of White Mountain Life Church in Show Low. She treasured her friends and especially their Friday night bible study. She will always be remembered for having the community Easter Egg Hunt in her backyard for many of the town's children. She colored over 400 eggs for the kids. She is survived by her husband, Keith of 51 years; three daughters, Rose Ryder of Billing Mont., Tammy (Rick) Dennison of Lakeside and Glenda (Jack) Henry of Granite Shoals, Texas; one son, Edward Ryder of Billings, Mont.; five grandchildren, Bridget George, Cody Ryder, Crystal Gumm, Derek Waechter and Davylyn Dennison; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bonita (Cliff) Hunt, Carolyn (Jimmie Joe) Johnson and Dixie Taylor, all of Glenrock, Wyo.; and a brother, Robert (Janice) Konrath of Walcott Junction, Wyo. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Nellie Arner this year. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 3, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Glenrock, Wyo. and at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan 10, at the Vernon Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vernon. In lieu of flowers she wished that memorials be given for the Vernon Community Park to complete the projects she so desired to finish. Memorials can be sent to Tammy Dennison at P.O. Box 2487, Lakeside, AZ 85929. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.