Lois Elizabeth Rider

LOIS ELIZABETH RIDER
ITHACA - Lois Elizabeth Rider passed Sunday April 11, 2010 in the company of those who loved her most. Lois was born July 31, 1917 in Williamsport, PA. Lois and James (Jim), her loving husband of 60 years, came to Ithaca in 1950. Lois took a job as a Baker at Jansen's Bakery and Jim took a job at Swift and Company and later Robertson & Carpenter.
Together Lois and Jim made ends meet. In 1955 Lois recognized an opportunity to take over ownership of a small 15 seat diner in Collegetown known as Tony's Corner. Together Lois and Jim successfully operated the diner for five years. During the course of their ownership they served and befriended many students and local business people. Most notable, they befriended Robert (Bob) Orcutt who was a loyal customer and a big fan of Lois's home cooking and delectable pies as well as the couple's exemplary work ethic. In 1960 Lois and Jim purchased the Hillside Inn at 518 Stewart Avenue from Bob Orcutt which they have owned and operated since. In addition to owning and operating the Hillside Inn, Lois and Jim purchased 114 Summit Ave (Ithaca Apartments) in 1970 and since have been local landlords. Lois had a passion for life and work. Coming from humble roots in Williamsport, PA, Lois epitomized the "American Dream" demonstrating that almost anything is possible through hard work and determination. Lois valued commitment, perseverance, loyalty, and tradition. Lois's long standing relationships with friends, employees and family are tantamount to the values she held dearest. Lois never forgot where she came from, nor that many were less well off than herself and she took great joy in giving to charities of cause. Lois was a generous benefactor of The Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, numerous local churches, and Lions Club International. Lois relished traveling with her husband and friends and over the years traveled many thousand miles to Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, Ohio, Aruba and more than a few Polish weddings in Detroit, MI. Lois also enjoyed hosting her annual "Shindig" summer party which was an annual gathering of friends and family for twenty five consecutive years. Lois was predeceased by her brother, Gordon Gamble. She is survived by her husband, James R. Rider; her sisters, Lorretta Keillor and Pauline Asbridge; her son and daughter-in-law, William and Joanne Harris; grandsons, Michael Harris, William Harris, Jr. and Patrick Harris; granddaughter, Susan DeAmbrosio; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and the Orcutt Family who has known and loved Lois for over 50 years.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9AM Friday, April 16th at the Immaculate Conception Church with Father Leo Reinhardt officiating with burial to follow the mass. Friends may call at Bang's Funeral Home on Thursday, April 15th from 4-6PM. Memorial donations may be made in Lois's name to The Salvation Army located at 150 N. Albany Street Ithaca, NY 14850.