Mrs. Judith A. Ryden, 67, of LaPorte, died at 1:38 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at Rush Medical Center, Chicago.
She was born April 4, 1942, in Indianapolis to William and Marilyn (Young) Johnson.
Mrs. Ryden retired after 26 years as a LaPorte Community Schools bus driver. She was a LaPorte High School graduate, Class of 1960; a former Jayshee member, and formerly involved in 4-H as a leader. She attended First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crafts, flower gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved family and children.
On Oct. 8, 1960, in LaPorte, she married Richard P. “Pat” Ryden, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Deborah Smith of LaPorte and Pamela (Eric) Alis of Spring, TX; one son, Eric Ryden of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Breanne and Shelbi Smith, Quentin and Gabrielle Alis and Cody Ryden; one sister, Karen (Robert) Bortz of LaPorte; her stepmother, Carolyn Johnson of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William “Ted” Johnson.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday for one hour before the service. Burial will be in Carmel Cemetery on Thursday following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
