Jo Cryder

Born Feb. 4, 1938, in Beloit, WI., to Charles and Ruth (Cone) Van Elverdinghe, Alice Jo Cryder passed away Sept. 10, 2025, in Dallas, OR. True to her deep devotion to family, she was born on her brother's birthday and died on her mother's.

If you knew Jo, you know that she was a vibrant, intelligent, fiercely independent, strong-willed woman of unwavering faith. She loved God, people, dogs, and adventure – with a compassion rooted in hard-earned wisdom and a lifelong drive to help others.

As a child, Jo delighted in sleepovers with cousins, Girl Scouts, fashion, skating, fishing, and tagging along with her beloved brother. She had a soft spot for stray animals and often tried to sneak them into her bedroom.

Jo grew to a tall height early, towering over her classmates at a young age. She embraced her stature with confidence and pride. She joined The Milwaukee Toppers Club and later other organizations for tall people where she enjoyed community and camaraderie.

After high school, she moved from Wisconsin to Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA. She loved any excuse to get dressed up and go out, always chasing joy with style and flair.

She married Richard Cryder, and together they lived in San Diego, Washington State and Alaska before parting ways. Jo returned to San Diego – her favorite place in the world.

Throughout her life, Jo rescued countless dogs – often more than one at a time. She had a fondness for naming them Tony and Susie.

Professionally, Jo was accomplished and versatile. She worked for Washington Governors Daniel Evans and Dixy Lee Ray, as well as Lockheed and SAIC. She founded Jo Cryder Photos, selling matted and framed images from her travels, which graced homes and businesses alike. She proudly published five books showcasing her architectural photography: 1000 Dormers, 1000 Shutters & Awnings, Entryways & Doorways, 1000 Fences and Gates, and Towers, Turrets, Cupolas, & Belvederes.

Jo's passions were many: photography, traveling, rescuing dogs, swimming, driving convertibles, RVing, collecting friends wherever she went, and living in San Diego. Her wanderlust led her every U.S. state, much of Europe, and cruises around the globe. After retiring, she bought an RV, loaded up her dogs, and embarked on a decades-long road trip – always returning to San Diego when she felt homesick.

Jo was never shy. She spoke her mind with candor and conviction. She could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything.

Her favorite food was hot dogs, probably because she really did not like to cook. A highlight of visiting her was being treated to a banana split or bowl of ice cream for dinner.

She was a devoted member of St. Therese Parish in San Diego, where she attended Mass and Eucharistic Adorations, prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, and participated in church socials. After moving to Oregon for care, she continued her spiritual life at St. Philip Catholic Church in Dallas, alongside family.

Alice Jo Cryder lived a life of love, poured generously into the hearts of her family, friends, strangers, and animals – asking nothing in return. She is survived by six nieces, three nephews, and their families, who carry forward many cherished and spirited memories of their adventurous, outspoken, and deeply loving Aunt Jo.