Born on June 25, 1950, to Arnold Theodore Ryder and Marjorie E. (Thomas) Ryder, June was the youngest of seven children. Believing she was named after the Lorna Doone cookies her mother craved while carrying her, June absolutely hated the name Lorna.
A proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Class of 1968, she built a life defined by resilience, humor, and quiet strength.
June dedicated 30 years of service as District Manager of Operator Services with Sprint, where she became a fixture of reliability and tenacity. Her coworkers knew that if she was at her desk munching on peanut M&M’s—her favorite snack—it was best to come back later. She also had a long-standing fondness for peanut butter, starting each day at 3:00 a.m. with a spoonful. These simple pleasures brought her daily comfort and smiles.
June had a deep appreciation for the beauty in life. She loved reading, tending her garden, and surrounding herself with flowers. Her warmth extended to those around her—her home was always open, and her love always steady.
She is survived by her cherished grandchildren: Gabriel J. Harper (Nathalee Helton), Kamilah R. Harper (Alex Johnson), and step-granddaughter Minji Lew; her sisters Marylou Kiner and Lois Bailey; her brother Eddie Kiner; many nieces and nephews; her lifelong friend, Richard “Rick” Garn; and her beloved feline companion, Kitty Kat Buzz;
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Crystal Rose Harper; her son, Jese Ryder; her stepdaughter, Jeri Evans; and her brothers, Wayne Kiner and David Kiner.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S Main St, Mansfield, OH. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the life of a woman who gave so much love.
Wappner Funeral Directors – Mansfield is honored to serve the Evans family.
