Idona Evangeline Ryding

Born on January 3, 1947 in Fergus Falls, MN, she was the child of Ida and Ingvald Bjore.

She graduated early from Fergus Falls High School in 1964 and went on to Josef’s School of Hair Design and worked in St Paul, MN as a hairdresser for a couple of years. In the late 1990’s Idona continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Mary, accomplishments she remained incredibly proud of.

Her longest held professional position was working for Concordia College, Moorhead, MN for 23 years, which she chose specifically to help afford her daughter’s education. She started her work there in the dining service, and spent the most years in her final position as an Administrative Assistant for Alumni Relations. She was incredibly proud of her work there and was very proud of her daughter and later also her grandson, Parker, who both graduated from Concordia.

Idona was very passionate about arts and culture. She was deeply appreciative of the natural world, museums, and an accomplished poet. Idona’s poems have been published in numerous journals including Mother Superior, River Images, Writer’s Ink, and more. She shared her writing at poetry slams and encouraged others to write as well.

Idona and Mike both retired at age 55, spending many years traveling the southern US in an RV and looking for a place to retire. Their passion for and dedication to nature shines through in these years. In 2006-2007 they volunteered on Lake Mead in NV, working for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Then traveled to national parks in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona settling eventually in Mesa, Arizona in 2013.

Idona and Mike were snowbirds and split their time between Detroit Lakes, MN and Mesa, AZ for three years before moving permanently to Mesa in 2023. Idona loved spending time with her family and friends in both the Forest Hills (MN) and Orangewood Shadows (AZ) retirement communities. She loved hiking, playing cards, drinking wine, and the warm air - no more cold winters!

Idona enjoyed fresh raspberries from her garden, listening to the wind on a hike, golfing with her grandkids, completing puzzles in her backyard, and fishing with Mike. In addition to her academic, professional, and literary accomplishments, she was also a proud member of Toastmasters'.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Michael Ryding; son, Bob Ryding, grandson Micheal Ryding, and granddaughter Sammi Ryding; and daughter Ericka Peterson, grandchildren, Abigale Haug and Parker Haug.

A celebration of life for Idona will be held on Saturday, September 27th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This will be located at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in The Gathering Room located at 4000 28th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56560.