Roy Rider, 68

Roy Albert Rider, age 68, of Romulus and a former resident of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, 2013, at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne.

He was born Jan. 15, 1945, in Sturgis, a son of Bobby F. and Joan (Preston) Rider.

Roy had resided in the Ann Arbor area for the past 30 years. His early life was lived in Sturgis and he was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1963. Roy continued his education at Albion College and Northern Michigan University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and later received his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

From 1966-1993, he was married to Diana Valentine.

Roy retired from Jackson State Prison in 2012 and was with the Michigan Department of Correction for 33 years. At the time of retirement, he held the position of assistant deputy warden.

Roy was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed fishing, the outdoors especially warm sunshine on his face, and his dog Bubba.

He is survived by a daughter, Angela (Lee) Rider-Bentley of Ann Arbor; his mother, Joan Rider of Sturgis; two sisters, Karen (Albert) St. Germain of Sturgis and Shirley (Richard) Kay of Dallas; two nephews, Philip St. Germain and Joshua (Jennifer) St. Germain; a great-niece, Paeslii St. Germain; special friend of 15 years Angela “AJ” Johnson and her granddaughter that he dearly loved, Destiny Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby F. Rider, July 17, 1978.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Roy A. Rider will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Deb Johnson, First United Methodist Church of Sturgis, will officiate. A memorial service also will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at New Beginnings Christian Church, 623 Oak St., Ypsilanti. The Rev. Clinton Howard, Jr., friend of Roy’s, will officiate.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Rider’s memory consider Sturgis District Library, 255 North St., Sturgis, MI 49091.

Hid obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.