Marguerite “Pete" Louise Ryder

Marguerite “Pete” Louise (Hickman) Ryder, 87, of Warm Springs, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025. She was born May 21, 1938 in Bath County, a daughter of the late Gary Mackchain Hickman and Virginia Louise (Hise) Hickman.

On May 23, 1955, she married Leroy William Ryder Sr. and the couple spent 57 years together until his passing in 2013. Mrs. Ryder was a member of Chimney Run Church of the Brethren. Pete was the heart of her family, a woman who raised not only her own children, but poured that same love into her grandchildren and all who were blessed to call her family. Her home was a refuge, her arms a comfort, and her wisdom a steady anchor through every season of life. She taught faith, resilience, and above all, unconditional love. She was the kind of woman who gave more than she ever took. Whether she was offering a warm meal, a listening ear, or a gentle nudge in the right direction, she touched lives in ways that will continue to ripple through generations. To her family she was a protector, a teacher, a healer, and truly a blessing beyond measure.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, David Franklin Ryder Sr.; granddaughter, Breanna Grace Woodzell; brothers, Lewis “Bub” Hickman, James “Mack” Hickman, and William “Bucky” Hickman, whom she raised like her son from an early age; and sisters, Mabel Gertrude “Sis” Dean, Gladys Gillispie, and Elsie Keyser.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, Leroy William Ryder Jr. of Hot Springs, Doris Bare and husband, Rocky of Blue Ridge, Billy Ryder Sr. and wife, Sherry of Warm Springs, Nora Gibson and fiancé, Curtis Moudy of Burnsville, Larry Ryder and wife, Lawanda of Hot Springs, Wanda Bradley and husband, David of Riner, and Cendy Moran of Vinton; her grandchildren, Ryan and Heather Ryder, Patrick Ford, Megan Gerig, David Jr. and Zackary Ryder, Shannon Boguess, Billy Ray Jr., Joshua and Amanda Ryder, Kristina Shifflett, Rachel Feury, Aaron Ryder, Morgan Woodzell, Tyler and Tanner Bradley, and William, Nathaniel, Victoria, and Matthew Moran; as well as her great-grandchildren, Hunter, Brendon, and Reagan Ryder, Rosser Ryder, Jake and Jase Boguess, Brylee Tidd, Emma Southall, Jolene Ryder, Timber and Piper Ryder, Caylee Boggs, Korey Ryder, Ralo Kilt, Karter and Khloe Shifflett, Raylen and Paisley Fuery, Benjamin, Reagan, and Harper Bradley, Travis Jones, Ryder Moran, Adrian Johnson Jr., and Kayden Johnson.

A special thanks to her grandson, Aaron and his wife, Hope for their devoted time in taking special care of her.

In accordance with Pete’s wishes, her body was cremated and the family will commemorate her life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bath County Committee for Emergencies, PO Box 202, Warm Springs, VA 24484 or Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P.O. Box N, Hot Springs, VA 24445.