Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1988
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
HEATHER RYDER Obituary
She was born June 5, 1988 in Lancaster. a daughter of Leroy and Lorrie (Smeal) Ball Hartley.
She is survived by her parents, Leroy Hartley (Terrie) and Lorrie (Smeal) Ball (Brad Dixon); two sons, Dominick Ryder and Jaxzon Ryder; her grandfather Lawton Smeal; and her half siblings, Jamie, Shannon, Amanda, Robert and Jacob. There are several nieces, nephews, an aunt and uncles, and cousins.
She was a graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School and was continuing as a student in medical education.
There will be no viewing or services.
Arrangements by the Derman Funeral Home, Inc., Tyrone.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HEATHER RYDER
Sponsored by Derman Funeral Home Inc.
Alisha Ryder
October 8, 2025
U would be so proud girl. He's doing well and thinks of u everyday.
Alisha Ryder
September 28, 2025
Saw this and instantly thought about you girl! Honestly I think about you all the dang time! And I play you're voicemail you left me all the time and I will forever hold that promise to you on that message! We do miss the heck out of you!!! And I definitely feel you haunt me at times when I see your model of car as I come home from work still to this day. Girl I hope my dad isn't giving you a hard time up there. And I hope turbo and Hailee are giving you all the snuggles possible!
Nicole Anzalone
June 16, 2025
Everyone still misses you. Alot of us still struggle because you were the one we turned to for love, support, advice and help.
But we are doing our best.
Piper is doing great. She's still a monster of a cuddle bug that you made her into. Playful and sweet as ever.
Dominick and Jaxzon
May 29, 2025
We love you mom, and we think about you!
Josh Wade
May 27, 2025
Heather I miss you I think bout you every day you was my rock wen I didn't think anyone cared you did I'm not same person I used to be since u passed I love you
Alisha Ryder
May 27, 2025
We miss you!
Alisha Ryder
January 28, 2025
Heather there is not a day that don't go bye that me and the boys do not think about you. There so many memories that we remember and still talk about u. Ur boys love n miss u! And granted the situation they are doing well on school. I tell them all the time ur watching from up there! And that u will always be around as a beautiful angel !!!! Still can not believe any of it. And almost a year since u been gone.... Definitely miss ya girl. Always think about our dentist day u were always there for me.
Katie B
June 8, 2024
You were a wonderful mom and person !
Heather V
June 8, 2024
Heather was my daughter´s best friend. When I met her she was full of sunshine and happiness. She was a very involved mother and always proud of her boys. Heather had a backbone most woman lose when they felt defeated. She taught everyone to stand up for what was right and protect what was yours. To her mom- I just lost my son 5/2 at 26, Nicole´s brother. If you ever would like to get a coffee, I can grieve with you, cry with you. I understand your loss. It is a club no mother wants to join. Prayers for the boys to understand this and get guidance through this horrible time. Prayers to you and the family.
Meredith
June 7, 2024
I was a caregiver for Heather's boys' paternal grandmother. She and Heather remained close, even after Heather and the boys' father divorced. She even came to the grandmother's 90th birthday party!! My heart breaks for the family as they grieve this loss. RIP.
Rob and Missy Hullihen
June 6, 2024
We were neighbors for a couple years. Always was around hanging out and helping my wife. She also was one of my wife's bridesmaid.
Tracy
June 5, 2024
I meet her at a friend's wedding so was so sweet she will be missed by alot of people
Tracy
June 5, 2024
I meet her at a friend's wedding she was so sweet she will be missed by alot of people
Nicole Anzalone
June 5, 2024
Nicole Anzalone
June 5, 2024
Nicole Anzalone
June 5, 2024
Heather's been my best friend for what felt like forever. But now doesn't seem long enough. She always had a loving and bubbly personality. If looks could kill when angry, she would be the one to give that look.
Heather invited me into her life with open arms and love. She showed me her family and friends that I'm proud to say are my own now as well. Her son Jaxzon and my son are best friends. And it was because of Heather I became more involved in scouts.
One thing I can say is Heather was always there when I needed her. Even if I didn't say anything as to not burden her. She just knew and was by my side.
Heather has gone through so many obstacles and harships, yet she always overcame. Ready for the next.
Her children were her world, I've never seen such a mamma bear in action.
I'm so happy to have had her in my life, my home, my love.
I promise you heather we won't forget you. It's impossible too anyways. Everyone will be there for Dom and Jaxzon, and we will always love you.
Patti LeGrand
June 4, 2024
Heather was such a great Mother & she loved her 2 sons so very much. She was very involved & helped out with their Cub & Boy Scouts.
I sang with her in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church & she helped out by doing the announcements & read the scriptures in church. She will be missed by a lot of people who lives she you touched. RIP Heather.
Patti LeGrand
Mom
June 4, 2024
As Heather's mother I am asking that anyone who wants to do something for her plant some sunflowers then she can shine all summer long, also we will be having a celebration of life for her we just are not sure on the date at this time . Be free my hunny child
Josh wade
June 3, 2024
She was my best friend in hole world an I for one will miss her so so much so many memories great times she always helped me in rough times biggest heart rest easy Heather and I will pray for boys an the family
Maria Doran
June 3, 2024
Heather was a great mom and well known in the community for the time she spent in church, ball games and cub scouts. I pray that her two boys will find peace and comfort in the years to come. Truly just heartbreaking.
Dawn Haupt
June 3, 2024
I will always remember the good times we have shared and I will continue to watch your boys grow into amazing young men because of what you have taught them. Fly high girl.
Dani Demchak
June 3, 2024
Forever my sister. I miss you more than you know. Rest easy sissy. The boys taken care of.
Britney Higham
June 3, 2024
There are too many memories to know where to start or which to choose. We will always cherish the time we had with you. Even though we lived hours apart you did your best to stay active in your nieces lives. You did your very best for your boys and made sure they were taken care of before yourself. We all miss you and Love You
Alisha Ryder
June 3, 2024
Heather was great mom of Dominick and jaxzon! Rip girl
Tamie Meredith
June 3, 2024
Heather was my second cousin she was a great mom to her sons she had a heart of gold she will be missed and loved by so many rest easy look over ur boys
Amelia Ryder
June 3, 2024
Thinking of the two most important survivors of Heather´s.. her two boys, Dominick and Jaxzon. My sympathies to them and to Heather´s long time guardians, Frank and Pat Ryder.
Robert Young
June 3, 2024
Heather was always there for people with a kind word and compassion even when she herself was down or when we were having a sibling spat she always cared. Her world was centered on her sons whom she loved more than anything else in this life and who both made her so very proud to be their mom. Be free butterfly girl. We will all be missing you. Always&Forever sis.
Michael Smith
June 3, 2024
Rest Easy beautiful Angel
Mary Handel
June 2, 2024
Heather was a creative and caring Mom that loved her boys. Dominic and Jaxson you are in my prayers
Mary Handel
( past Sunday school teacher)
Jen Hann
June 2, 2024
Heather was a great mom! Deepest sympathy to her 2 young sons.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in HEATHER RYDER's name
Memorial Events
for HEATHER RYDER
How to support HEATHER's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor HEATHER RYDER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
