Viola June Forbes

Kathaleen (Kay) Elinor Ryder (nee Elliott), passed away at KGH on January 12, 2026. Mom was born on Christmas Day in 1933 to parents Franklin and Anne Elliott. She grew up in a happy home in Beaverdell with older sisters Shirley and Barbara. Years later, younger siblings Sharon and Ross completed the family circle.

When she finished high school Mom moved down to Kelowna to begin her adult life. She worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia downtown. She remembered being locked into the tellers cage each morning after receiving a loaded pistol from the manager to ward off bank robbers. Luckily, she never had to use it. She made friends for life during this time and the wee house she boarded in is still there on Pandosy St. near the hospital.

She married the love of her life, Wally Ryder on December 10, 1955, at the United Church in Kelowna. They met as children (Dad at 10 years old and Mom at 7 years old) in Beaverdell BC. They lived in Salmo and Merritt as Dad pursued mining jobs.

As a young couple with two small children they embarked on an adventure when Dad accepted a mining position in Siuna Nicaragua. They made lifelong friends from their time there. They returned in 1965 to await the birth of their third child and from then on Kelowna was their home. Mom went back to work and worked in the Rutland branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia in the early 70’s. Dad retired in 1986. They were privileged to be able to travel (Alaska, Hawaii, across Canada, Mexico, and winter in Yuma) and enjoy life, friends, and family.

Mom was an avid NYT crosswords fan and even better Scrabble player. She was a wonderful cook, and her thin crispy chocolate chip cookies are legendary. She also made the best dill pickles (used as barter in the family) and canned peaches.

Mom and Dad grew up playing cards with family and friends. As kids, we were allowed to play with the grown-ups if we had the money to ante in and promised not to whine if we lost. The kids also remember the cheap labour they provided rolling out their homemade cigarettes back in the day before smoking became taboo. Camping trips were pretty epic, sometimes a virtual tarp city to keep the cards and food dry. Mom loved babies and had the pleasure of watching her grandchildren grow up to be fine people. In return they loved their Granny.

Together, Mom and Dad had a happy marriage full of love and respect, hard work, and good times with family (including travelling, fishing and camping). They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec 10, 2025. In the last year Mom suffered some health challenges with declining eyesight and pain issues. Dad was her champion, the best care giver one could ask for. Mom and Dad were best friends and true soulmates. They were Kay and Wally - always together, two peas in a pod.

Mom and Dad were blessed with three children: Rhonda Croft (Bill), Todd Ryder (Rosanne), and Nancy Sears (Larry). Grandchildren: Chad Mielke (Laura), Heather Mielke (Creighton Bruce), Courtney Farr (Tyson), Dylan Ryder (Serafina), Mitchel Ryder (Sarah), and Dalton Sears. Great-grandchildren: Troy Mielke (Sarah), Kieran Mielke (Stephanie), Josh Farr, Kaiden Farr, Evangelina Ryder, Caleb Gibson, Leo Ryder, and Lily Ryder. Great-great-granddaughter: Evelyn Mielke and a new sister to be born in April 2026.

Mom is also survived by her brother Ross, brother-in-law Brian (Ruth) and numerous nieces and nephews mostly from the prolific and wonderful McCutcheon side of the family. Auntie Kay was loved so much.

Predeceased by her parents Frank and Anne Elliott, in-laws Agnes Day (Art)and Wally Ryder Sr. (Helen), sisters Shirley, Barbara and Sharon.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff on 4E for their kind care. We are so appreciative.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donations to the SPCA or the KGH Foundation.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close, cherish each other and enjoy the moment. That would make Kay and Wally happy.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299