Mary Grace Merritt Ryder, born March 23, 1930, entered her eternal home with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Her unwavering faith in God and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through the struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Known for her cooking skills, and an open, welcoming home, she won the love, respect and trust of all who knew her. She worshiped her Lord and Savior at Gardendale's First Baptist Church, where she leaves behind many loving friends.

She was retired from Jefferson County School Systems, where she joyfully worked in the Gardendale High School Lunch Room for many years. She was a member of Gardendale Chapter No. 531 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James (Bud) Ryder.

She is survived by her daughters; Pattie Ray (Ivan), Kathy Duncan (Marc), and son, Larry Ryder (Sharon), along with six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Her love, strength and guidance were a Godly example to all that knew and loved her.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 25, 2016, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. at The New Gardendale Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting gammagefh.com or thenewgardendalefuneralhome.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is making this local announcement for the family of Ms. Mary Grace Ryder.