Patricia Ryder

June 29, 1940 - January 09, 2026 Patricia Carol Ryder, affectionately known to many as Trish or Pat, embarked on her final adventure, leaving us with hearts full of memories on January 9, 2026. Born on a sunny day in 1940, Trish's life was a vibrant journey from day one, and she made sure to live every moment with the same enthusiasm until she peacefully passed away in Palmer, Alaska, of natural causes. Trish's story is one for the books – literally. If her life were a novel, it would be an action-packed bestseller with a sprinkle of love, a dash of laughter, and a whole lot of cat fur. Before her husband, William “Bill” Ryder, passed on June 15, 2025, they were an inseparable duo known for their crafts and their knack for turning every frown upside down. Trish (and Bill) leave behind a legacy through their children: son Russell L. Groves (Fleurette), their 3 grand children, 4 great grandchildren; son Richard T. Groves; and daughter Roxanne Hagedorn (Derek), their 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren as well as many and varied friends. A lifelong learner, Trish never passed up a chance to add another feather to her cap. From credit union management to traffic safety, she collected knowledge like some people collect stamps, with the enthusiasm of a child in a candy store. Her career was as colorful as her personality, having been a debt collector who probably made people laugh as they handed over their dues, a credit union manager with a heart of gold, and a caregiver who gave more than just care. Trish's zest for life was as infectious as her laugh. When she wasn't mastering the art of business, she was diving headfirst into history with the Adak Island historical society, or championing wellness as a sales representative for USANA. Alongside Bill, she turned hobbies into handcrafted treasures, with woodworking and sewing projects that were as unique as the two of them. Trish’s adventurous spirit took her and Bill from the cozy corners of Oregon to the wilds of Alaska, where they became the Bonnie and Clyde of fishing and hunting – minus the crime, of course. Matching four-wheelers were their steeds, and the great outdoors their kingdom. Their travels weren't confined to the Last Frontier, though; they also stamped their passports in Holland and Egypt, because why not? In Wasilla, Trish was the cat's meow with the Alaska Cat Adoption Team (ACAT), fostering countless felines and ensuring they landed on their paws in loving homes. Her passion didn't stop at whiskers; she was also a beacon for the American Association of Retired Persons, teaching senior traffic safety and lending her time to memory cafes and other AARP functions. Words like adventurous, optimistic, and passionate are tossed around a lot, but Trish embodied them to a T. Her laughter was a symphony, her spirit a beacon, and her love for life a legacy that will continue to inspire chuckles and courage in equal measure. Trish may have taken her final curtain call, but the show of her life will go on in the stories we share and the lives she's touched. And let's be honest, heaven just got a lot more entertaining. A Celebration of Life for Trish and Bill will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. at the Legacy Wasilla Heritage Chapel at 1015 Check Street, Wasilla. The service will also be live streamed. Call 907-373-3840 for information. Bring your memories to share.