Kaye Ryder

Opelousas - Funeral services will be held for Kaye Ryder at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home. Reverend Katie Glass will officiate the services.  Rite of Committal will follow in Myrtle Grove Cemetery.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kaye Ryder, age 73, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

Kaye was an active member of the OGHS Breast Cancer Foundation and a reserve officer for the Opelousas Police Department. The city of Opelousas was also proud to have her as their first female public works director. She loved going to garage sales, playing Pokeno, dancing, music and fishing. She cheered for LSU football and the New Orleans Saints. With her huge heart, Kaye was always trying to find a way to help others. She loved her family and friends deeply and will forever be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Jessie Ryder, of Opelousas, La.; sons, Todd Ryder, of Lawtell, La. and her "wayward son", Russell Nelams, of Port St. Lucie, Fl.; sisters, Beatrice Stelly, of Sunset, La., Velma Arnaud, of Sunset, La. Roberta Boudreaux, of Church Point, La. and Faye Wise, of New Iberia, La.; 3 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

Kaye is preceded in death by her parents, James Russell Wise and Marie Metrejean Wise; and her daughter, Melanie Kaye Ryder.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers will be Tom Stoot, James Stoot, Robert Stoot, Logan Delafosse, Lane Delafosse and Jonathon Nelams.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Breast Cancer Foundation at https://www.opelousasgeneral.com/oghs-foundation/donate/

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.