Ralph R. Rider, of Richland, WA, passed away on October 20th, 2023. He was born on August 1, 1937 to the late Elsie and Emmett Rider in South Sioux City, Nebraska.
Ralph moved to Dayton, WA in 1944 where he attended grade school and high school until 1955 when he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Ralph later returned after being discharged and began working for Safeway where he learned to be a meat cutter, kicking off his career.
In 1961, Ralph moved to Richland, WA where he met the love of his life, Gunda, and they were married in 1962. Gunda had a daughter, Linda, from a previous marriage and together they had two children, Roy and Monica. Ralph continued working as a meat cutter for Mayfair and Kaiser Market until 1977 when he and Gunda founded Rider’s Meats and Locker, which later expanded into Rider’s Sausage Haus.
In 1991, Ralph provided catering services alongside another company for Hanford II and the 100 areas on a daily basis, a pioneering achievement in the industry. He eventually retired in 2005 but remained involved in wholesaling Rider’s Sausage Haus.
In his leisure time, Ralph found joy in music and was a talented member of a country band, performing at various clubs and bars in the Tri-Cities area.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Elsie and Emmett Rider, his four sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His life was a testament to the virtues of hard work and dedication to one’s passions. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life for Ralph will be held on August 10th from 1pm-5pm at the “Finger Nail” at Howard Amon park in Richland, WA.