Michael Wayne Ryder

Celebration of Life for Michael Wayne Ryder, “Mike”, age 68, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2:30 pm in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until the Rosary at 2:00 pm by Cecille Dupre and time of services at 2:30 pm. Deacon Bill Pollingue will conduct the funeral services with burial to follow at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers of the Urn will be Dylan and Charley Ryder.

Mike passed away on November 29, 2024, peacefully at his home after lengthy medical issues since April. He was born in Opelousas, LA on September 26, 1956, to Charles and Nora Ryder. He grew up in Opelousas and was a wonderful family man, who worked hard all his life. Working as a welder most of his life; the last 16 years before retiring at age 64, was with Whitco Supply in Broussard, LA. He always exceeded at whatever the job required. He met the love of his life, Sandra, and shared 43 years and 8 months of marital bliss together while having two children; who were the “apple” of his eyes! He had a generous heart and was a devoted loving husband.

His devotion to family and friends was his strongest attribute. He had a heart of gold. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and taught them that kindness truly is the greatest gift you can give. Mike could always be relied on to lend a hand whenever he was called to help. He freely shared his time with others. Through his kind heart Mike made many friends and his smile would light up a room. The family joke was that if his wife sent him to the store for a loaf of bread, he might be gone for two or three hours because he just had to stop and talk to every friend he met in the store. He always had a good joke or tall tale to tell……though he didn’t steal it; he got it from his Daddy. Mike spent countless weekends hunting and fishing with his son and two oldest grandsons. He was excellent with a shotgun and was a patient teacher of his favorite hobbies. He could fish all day, whether the fish were biting or not. He just loved being outdoors with family and friends by a fire.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Sandra Thibodeaux Ryder, their two beautiful children; Daughter, Charley Ryder and son, Dylan Ryder. He is also survived by his two sister in laws; Vanessa Ortego of Opelousas, LA and Karleen Kaiser of Lugoff, SC, his three brothers; Ray Ryder (Myra) of Lafayette, LA, Buddy Ryder of Opelousas, LA, Toby Ryder (Stacey) of Lafayette, LA; his four sisters; Jeannie Davis (Johnny) of Jonesboro, LA, Davy Ann Ryder of Opelousas, LA, Terri Cole (Dee) of Baton Rouge, LA and Vicky Kleuver (Darren) of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by the excitement of his life; his seven grandchildren: Paco, Braylon, Bailee, Jacelyn, Rylan, Adalyn, Emalynn and one Great-Grandchild, Khi. He also had a “host” of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his loving Mother and Father, Charles & Nora Ryder, his Grandparents, David & Marie Lalonde; Earl & Laura Ryder; his Mother and Father In Law, Edmond & Jeanette Thibodeaux and his brother in law, Karl Thibodeaux.

The Family would like to send a special “Thank You” to the Traditions Health Hospice Care team: Lara, Kim, Neecy, Juani, Ashley, Lisa

Mike’s love, kindness and presence in this world will be sadly missed, but great memories will remain in the hearts of all who loved him. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to visit our website 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.