MARS HILL – Gerald W. Ryder, 83, died Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at an Augusta health-care facility. He was born Oct. 22, 1922, in Mars Hill, the son of Harry and Lillian (Craig) Ryder. Gerald grew up in the Mars Hill area and served his country during World War II. He worked for Coles Express for many years and was a member of the American Legion William Cousins Post No. 118. He enjoyed reading, fishing, listening to old country music and hymns. Gerald was also a very talented musician playing the guitar among many other instruments. He is survived by four daughters, Brenda Hathaway and her husband, Ernest, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Geraldine Parker of Plymouth, Conn., Constance Foster and her husband, Lawrence, of Oakland, Cynthia Cerda and her husband, Frank, of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Helen Longstaff of Centreville, N.B.; 13 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lulu M. (Estey) Ryder; two grandsons, Anthony Snell and Karl Foster; a brother, Charles Ryder; and a sister, Beulah Cronkhite. A graveside service will be conducted 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Pierce Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Carter officiating. Those who wish may make donations in Gerald’s name to Voluntary Service, 1 VA Center, Togus VA, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill.
GERALD W. RYDER
