- Date Of Birth: January 16, 1949
- Date Of Death: May 12, 2017
- State: Illinois
Katherine Jo “Kathy” Rider lost her 12 year-long battle with cancer on May 12, 2017, while at her home in Jacksonville, Illinois. She was surrounded by family and friends and under Hospice care when the Lord called her home. She leaves behind her husband of 49 years, James Rider; her children, Travis Rider of Jacksonville and Tammy Stottler and husband Billy of Lynnville; three grandchildren, Cami Stottler and Cass Stottler of Lynnville and Chase Rider of Jacksonville.
She is also survived by three sisters and their husbands, Dorothy and Ed Chapman of White Hall, Teresa and Clete Davidson of White Hall and Sandy and John Coats of Manchester. Kathy leaves four nieces, Stacey, Tara, Tanya and Erika, a nephew, Thomas, two great nieces, Aubrey and Pamela and one great nephew, Andrew. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles “Bud” Darringer, her mother, Virginia Roberts-Darringer, and a sister, Suzanne Darringer.
Kathy graduated from White Hall High School then attended Springfield College where she obtained a business degree, earning high honors, and graduating Phi Theta Kappa. She was employed as a secretary in both White Hall and Pittsfield Hospitals and also worked as a secretary at JCC Nursing Home and Modern Care before obtaining her nursing home administration license. After obtaining her license Kathy worked as administrator in the Modern Care facility for many years and then for a short time at Heritage Manor in Beardstown. Her cancer made it difficult, and needing a less demanding position, she applied and was hired as business secretary for the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kathy will always be remembered for her radiant smile and for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a loyal friend. Her life’s calling was that of assisting others and she was always helpful in a myriad of different ways and always tenacious in her efforts.
Whether in a management position in the Nursing Home industry, secretary at a hospital or serving food to the public from behind the counter at a local fast food restaurant, Kathy was happiest when she could be of assistance to others. During her long illness Kathy stayed strong and kept a positive attitude. She was true to her calling and many people benefited greatly as a result of her assistance.
One of Kathy’s greatest pleasures was to ride with her husband across country on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle trike. They traveled across the United States and much of Canada. They belonged to the Gold Wing Rider’s Association and the Honda Rider’s Club. Even though she was suffering from cancer she continued to live a full life. When the pain was severe she never let it be known and when asked how she was doing she would say she was excellent and had places to go and people to annoy. Anyone who knew this lady was well aware of the amazing inner strength she possessed.
Her Schnauzer dog, Mr. Professor, was a trusted and protective companion and was always at her side and seemed to always know when she was in pain. The comfort he brought to Kathy throughout the many years she fought cancer is without measure.
Katherine Jo Rider will always have a special place in our hearts and in our memories and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
