Ruth Eilene Rider, 94, of Bismarck, ND passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the Benedictine Living Center in Bismarck, ND.

Ruth Eilene Rider was born August 11th, 1930 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Howard and Dorothy Dow. During childbirth, her mom passed away and her twin brother followed three days later. Her first 7 years she was raised by her grandmother until she moved to Fairview, MT with her dad, who married Alpha Dow and gave Ruth two younger sisters, Arlene and Beverly. She spent most of her childhood in Fairview.

Ruth graduated from Fairview, MT in 1948. As soon as she turned 18, she could marry the love of her life, Donald Rider, on August 22nd, 1948. Don and Ruth moved to the Buford Bottoms, where they started their family and she was a loving mother to Byron, Barb, and Donnie. Don farmed and Ruth raised the kids. They loved their life. From there came the grandkids and many great-grandkids. Her house was always busy with family and this is how Ruth loved it. There was never a shortage of great food and her famous brownies. Ruth lived to nurture her family. Her life revolved around taking care of them and she would smile ear to ear when she was around the great-grandkids.

Don and Ruth moved from their farm into Williston in 1999, where they resided until Don passed, after 61 years of marriage. From there, Ruth moved to Lincoln, ND and then to Touchmark in Bismarck with her sister Beverly. Bismarck is where Ruth spent her remaining years with her family, including Barb and Dean, their children and grandchildren. She would watch and play with her great-grandchildren and never hesitated to be with them on the floor, even with her 90 year-old joints.

Ruth is survived by her children, Byron (Terri) Rider of Alexander, ND Barb (Dean) Kummer of Menoken, ND, Donald H. Rider of rural Williston, ND; sisters, Arlene (Peter) Davidson of Boise, ID, Beverly (Steve) Cayko of Bismarck, ND; 11 grandchildren, Jed (Melissa) Rider, Adam (Jenny) Rider, Robyn (Scott) Wagner, Wade (Katie) Kummer, Jonie (Jamie) Slater, Lacey (Travis) Cote, Tanya (Brent) Schafer, Kalie Rider, Levi Rider, Cory (Abby) Kummer, Logan (Heather) Rider; 22 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Alpha Dow; birth mom, Dorothy Dow and twin brother; husband, Donald Rider; grandchild, Dorothy Kummer; great-grandchild, Gabriel Rider.