Mary Clark Ryder

Mary Auger Clark Ryder, born September 23, 1938, in Stratford, Connecticut, passed away in Dallas, Texas, August 29, 2026. Born just after the historic 1938 hurricane, Mary was the beloved daughter of Dorothy “Dot” and J. Russell Clark and the cherished sister to John and Dotti. Even as a child, Mary’s lively personality shone brightly — she loved sharing family news with neighbors, earning the affectionate nickname “Aggie Twaddle,” and she carried that love of storytelling throughout her life.

Mary spent her early years in Connecticut before the family moved to Dallas in 1948. She and her siblings treasured summers in Annisquam, Massachusetts, staying in “The Camp,” digging clams, picking blueberries, and exploring Light House Beach. These memories inspired her lifelong love of the shore and later her dream of retiring near the water.

In Dallas, Mary attended Christ the King School and Hillcrest High School, where she developed interests in reading, sewing, and music. She pledged Tri Delta Sorority at the University of Colorado before transferring to TCU, where she earned her degree in Education. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Ryder, beginning a marriage filled with partnership, adventure, and devotion.

Mary and Dick built their life together centered around his family’s business. Beginning their family in 1960, they had their first son, Richard, followed by John, Paul and Kathy. Mary initially taught preschool and later worked in the family manufacturing business. She and Dick enjoyed dancing, water skiing, industry conventions, and lifelong friendships that took them from Alabama through Nova Scotia.

After retirement, Mary and Dick moved to Galveston to build their dream house. Not ones to sit idle, they worked for Carnival Cruise Line in Galveston with Dick as a greeter and Mary as a hostess, a role perfectly suited to her warm personality and love of people. After Dick’s sudden passing. Mary continued to live in Galveston returning to Dallas amidst COVID and health concerns.

Mary was known for her generosity and humor — especially at Christmas, where her gift-giving became legendary. She loved to shop for others, often choosing presents that were funny, surprising, or delightfully memorable. As her sister Dotti writes, “At the end of our phone conversations, we each say I love you.” That simple ritual reflects the heart of who Mary was.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory and the joy she brought into their lives. Mary is survived by her sons, Richard Ryder and Paul Ryder, and her daughter, Kathy Tiritilli; their spouses, Renee Ryder, Patti Ryder, and Craig Tiritilli; her grandchildren, Nick Ryder, Ally Turpen and her husband Evan Turpen, Matt Tiritilli, Zach Tiritilli, and Kaitlyn Ryder; and her great-granddaughter, Melie Turpen. She is also survived by her sister, Dottie Kemp, her husband Allan, and their children Charlie Kemp and Michael Kemp; their spouses, Melissa and Stephanie, and their children Russell, Ellen, Austin, and Kate. Additional beloved family include her niece Lori Preston, her nephews Ben and Kyle, and their extended family—Paul Preston, Noah Preston, Lou Preston, Sydney Clark, Alex Clark, Eric Stockley (along with his wife and children), and Ed Stockley.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents; her husband; her son, John Ryder; her brother John and his wife Barbara; their daughter Cynthia Stockley; and her granddaughter, Melissa Ryder.