Obituary of Dorothy Ann Kranich Ryder

A "Celebration of Life" for Dorothy Ann Ryder who passed away on Wednesday, July 18 at her home in Santa Cruz, CA will take place on Saturday, July 28th. Dorothy was born on December 30, 1927 in Selma, Alabama to Roy and Mable Kranich. She was raised in Felton, CA and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1944. It was at Santa Cruz High where she met the love of her life Richard (Dick) Ryder, they married just before Dick went off to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dorothy was a homemaker raising three sons Mike, Chuck and Bill. When the boys were older Dorothy worked part time at Marccinaro's Little One on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and later was a partner with her husband, Dick in Vivid Visions Photography on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. But it was her role as "Team Mom" that gave Dorothy her greatest pleasure. While her husband Dick was a little league manager for fifteen years Dorothy served as "Coach Dot" providing support, snacks and leading the cheers. The family does not remember her ever missing a game of any of the boy's little league, pony league, colt league or high school games. Having six brothers and then raising three sons it was Dorothy's many nieces that allowed her to be "Aunt Dot". She was a special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews but her nieces and then her daughter-in-laws were the daughters she never had. Dorothy had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. She will be greatly missed by all those who crossed her path. Dorothy is survived by her sons Chuck, Santa Cruz, CA; Bill (Susan), Soquel, CA; brothers Ray (Joan), Calistoga, CA and Bob (Bonnie), Penn Valley, CA; grandchildren Christopher, Stacy (Luther), Philip, Andrew, Garrett (Ana), Gregory and three great grandchildren Luther IV, Kayona and Paxton. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Richard, son Mike (Bonnie), sister Virginia and brothers Ken, Doug, Lanny and Larry. The family would like to thank the Masonic Home Outreach Services, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Sunshine Villa and Paradise Villa for their wonderful care and loving support. Dorothy's family is hosting a "Celebration of Her Life" for family and friends in the Members Room at the Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA on Saturday, July 28 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Flowers are welcomed, or if preferred donations may be made in Dorothy's memory to; Masonic Homes of CA, 34400 Mission Boulevard, Union City, CA 94587.