Joanie Mathes Ryder

When she died in late December, Joanie Ryder left behind a legion of family, friends and fans.

Married to Ely with whom she found eternal true love and companionship for 58 years. Together they raised their two sons, Matthew and Ethan, and welcomed daughters-in-law Shawna and Julie and their beloved grandchildren Dylan and Melissa.

Joanie was born, raised and lived all her days in Cincinnati, Ohio’s, Hyde Park neighborhood. She attended Kilgour School and then high school at the College Preparatory School for Girls in East Walnut Hills. Following her freshman year at Indiana University, she transferred to Miami University, so she could be closer to Ely. She earned her B.S. in Education, a profession to which she would dedicate herself for the next five decades.

In addition to her own two boys, “her kids” included all of the neighborhood children and her boy’s’ classmates. Joanie was loved as a second mother to many, and the myriads of students she taught and championed. From Clifton School to The Seven Hills School and to her thirty years at The Summit Country Day School, she taught second, third and fourth grade in addition to being a reading specialist. Her students have never forgotten her.: “Mrs. Ryder was the first teacher who I truly loved,” one of her students shares. “She taught us, but more importantly, she cared about us in a way that was different and this has stuck with me for these 40-plus years since.”

Outside of school, Joanie was a skilled knitter who reveled in the camaraderie of her knitting circle gatherings. She relished her time spent traveling with Ely and the family — to Sea Island, Maine, Europe and so many more destinations that it would take too long to list. To say Joanie “touched many lives” would be a severe understatement. She clicked with everyone she met. As a young Brownie, she took to heart their Scout song “Make new friends but keep the old.” Joanie’s life was woven into the lives of her family and so many friends, who all treasure their memories of her as a kind, thoughtful, loving and energetic woman with a bright spirit and ready smile. Her impact will be lasting, deep, and filled with grace.

“The holes in our hearts are immense,” says her son Matt, paying tribute to his mother. “Mom was a wife, mother, daughter, sister — committed to family in a way we could all hope to live up to in our own lives. She was a teacher, neighbor, and a best friend and above all, she was, and will continues to be, an example of how to be a genuinely good human being. My definition of an angel. She is always the soothing voice to all around her. She cared for so many people through so many different times. Up until the very end, she was always looking out for everyone else.”

To honor her memory and to continue sharing stories of her incredible impact on our community, a remembrance of Joanie’s life will take place at the Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at the church.

To honor Joanie, a memorial fund has been set up at The Summit Country Day School, of which funds will help teachers learn to recognize and further educate themselves in the best teaching techniques for students who face reading challenges. Please open your hearts and help us make this dream a reality by donating in lieu of flowers. Click here or mail a check to The Summit Country Day School, Attn: Joanie Ryder Memorial Fund, 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208.