Clara Mae Ryder Of Quogue Dies January 12

Clara Mae Ryder of Quogue died on January 12 after suffering a stroke. She was 97.

She was born in Schenectady on July 11, 1924 to Everett and Eleanor (Warner) Crouse, who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Eastport High School, and then summa cum laude from Albany State Teachers College (now SUNY Albany). She married Merrill Ryder while in college and then moved to Westhampton Beach, and later Quogue, with her husband. She first taught in Center Moriches, where she was “let go” for being pregnant, then taught in East Moriches and Eastport. She later worked for her husband’s business until she moved in with her sister, who cared for her until her stroke.

She was loved by all who knew her, her family said. She was the Warner family reunion secretary for many years and managed to keep up with all the many relatives. She had a deep faith in her Lord and taught Bible study for many years. She loved music and played the piano and organ, continuing to play the organ into her 90s. She loved to send cards to everyone for any occasion and so many looked forward to them; missing them when she no longer could.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Merrill; son Merrill; infant son Marshall; granddaughter Marybeth; and brothers Eugene and Everett. She is survived by her daughters, Marion Estes and Marilyn (Jim) Maffucci; sons Martin (Maribeth) and Matthew (Kathleen); her sister Alice Gordon; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is Friday, January 21, at Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Service will be Saturday, January 22, at 10 a.m. with burial at Oakwood Cemetary in East Quogue.

Donations can be made in her name to Eastport Bible Church building fund or the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.