Ronald James Ryder

Ronald James Ryder, age 82, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, he was born on October 4, 1942 in Coopersville Michigan. Growing up and planting his own family roots there as well, it is there that Ron met the love of his life, Bonnie and they were married in the fall of 1963. Ron and Bonnie would go on to raise three wonderful children, Terri, James, and Jeannie, whom he was so very proud of.

Ron enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He loved anything that would bring him outdoors; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, working in the yard creating beautiful landscapes and Waterscapes. He always loved cars which would become his life’s work. He enjoyed little road trip adventures with his wife, traveling much of the country. In his later years he enjoyed puzzles, building model cars, birdwatching and visits with family.

While we are grief stricken with the loss of our patriarch, we are so very grateful for the wonderful life he lived and that we were all blessed enough to be a part of it. His unconditional love, unwavering support, and gentle heart will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Ryder, mother and father Orville and Iris Ryder, grandsons Travis Ryke and Anthony Smith Sr., great grandson Matthew Orcasitas Jr., sisters Carol Dodge and Susan (Dan) Dykstra, brothers-in-law Dave Colpetzer and Richard Clark mother-in-law and father-in-law Frank and Peggy Clark.

Ron is survived by his children Terri (Rodney) Holmes, James Ryder and Jeannie Ryder; grandchildren, Jennifer (Nick) Hintz, Dalaina (Wally) Wheeler, Dustin (Caitlyn) Ryke, Andrew (Carlie) Emaus, Zackary Emaus and Paige, Victoria Emaus, Vanessa Young and Drake, Troy Young Jr. and Grace; 25 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild on the way; brother, Tom (Terry) Ryder; sisters, Doreen Colpetzer and Laurie (Dan) Noel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard Dodge, David (Sandee) White, Joann (Robert) Fielstra, Harry Clark and Diane, LuSinda Clark; several nieces and nephews, whom all he cherished deeply.

In keeping with Ron’s wish cremation has taken place. A memorial open house will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Coopersville VFW Post 5598, 511 68th Ave N., Coopersville, MI 49404. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lori’s Voice, P.O. Box 66, Coopersville, MI 49404 or Heaven Can Wait, 511 Seminole. Muskegon, MI 49404. Condolences for the family may be left on Ron’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville, 616-837-8161, www.throopfh.com