Betty Ellen Ryder, 74, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Betty was born on January 21, 1949, in Iola, Kansas to Wallis and Mary Ellen (Baker) McDown.
While growing up in Chanute, Kansas, she met her husband, Allen Ryder. They attended junior high and high school together and married in May of 1967. They later moved to Hutchinson, Kansas where they raised their three children. In 1988 they moved to Olathe, Kansas.
In Hutchinson, she worked in accounting for Cessna. After moving to Olathe, she worked for Sprint North Supply in customer service. Before retiring, she briefly worked for Johnson County.
Betty loved spending time with her family especially during the holidays and on family vacations to the beach. She enjoyed cooking meals and baking her award-winning apple pies. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities.
She was preceded in death by her father Wallis McDown and brother Dale McDown.
Betty is survived by her loving husband Allen Ryder, children Gina Westpfahl (Jim), Tim Ryder (Heidi), Amy Lovsky (Mark) eight grandchildren, T.J. Ryder, Cara Ryder, Mason Lovsky, Ally Lovsky, Riley Westpfahl, Bryce Westpfahl, Aubrey Lovsky, and Meghan Lovsky and one great-grandchild Kali Jenkins. Betty is also survived by her mother Mary Ellen McDown and siblings Dianna Henry, Elaine Fontaine, and Bret McDown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness or checks can be made to OOCF, 9121 Lee Blvd, Leawood, KS 66206.
To share a memory of Betty or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.