Jeffrey Ernest Rider

In loving memory of Jeffrey Rider.

Jeffrey Ernest Rider (71) passed away in the quiet of his home, surrounded by his family, after a year-long battle with cancer on May 12, 2025..

Jeff was born in Kansas City, KS to Ernest Vincent (“EV” or “Ernie”) Rider & Lois Rider who preceded him in death. Jeff is survived by his wife, Dianne Rider, daughters Ashley Elizabeth Packard (Charles Ashley) and Allison Paige Roberts (Jonathon), as well as brother Jim Rider (Judy), and sisters Nancy Hill and Peggy Mahnken. While Jeffrey had no grandchildren, he adored his granddogs Cooper, Teddy, Mack, Penny, and grandcat Larry.

Jeff was a man of passions who worked hard and loved fiercely. From the age of 8 when he first began carrying shingles up and down ladders for his father’s roofing business, Jeff never backed down from a job or a challenge. He was intuitive, tenacious, charismatic, clever, and independent. Even from his early school years, he flexed these traits and often told his family stories where he claimed to have “terrorized” teachers when his hands were idle (like when he decided to simply walk home from school one day because he would rather be playing outside). Needless to say, his mother sent him back after a quick swat from a switch he had to choose himself from a nearby tree, but he was always proud of the story nonetheless. His sisters and brother are full of stories of his adventure-filled and enterprising nature such as a broken bed at the end of a wrestling match with his father and brother or convincing his sister to be responsible for cleaning his apartment for just a can of soda as payment.

While he proudly wore the title of “ornery” often and loved to rile people up, it was always done with warmth and grin that were just some of many unique ways that he showed people how much they truly mattered to him. You could always count on his big smile, infectious energy and clever statements that made you laugh and love him immediately. One of his favorites, when he was asked how he was. Most people answer these kinds of common questions with common answers. Not Jeff. He was known to say that he was “finer than frog hair split four ways” or that “if he was any better, he would have to be twins.” He had so many ways to connect with people and anyone who spent seconds with Jeff began to trust him. His authenticity, easy-going and fun personality along with his straight-talking nature drew people closer. In fact, this was one of his many strengths in not only bringing people together but managing them as well. From turning around struggling grocery stores like the Apple Market that used to sit along 45 hwy near Parkville to the Price Chopper in Platte City and enjoying all of the networking and connecting that was a part of being in Contractor Sales for both Home Depot and Nebraska Furniture Mart, Jeff could speak anyone’s “language” and get things done with a blend of charm and efficiency few could match. He also built a successful business, Rider’s Pro Lawn, that thrived for many years and not only supported his family, but employed friends and family alike from Bill Mahnken, his brother in law, to Jon Roberts, his future son in law.

The legacy he leaves extends far outside of his work life, though. His bright blue eyes and persistence were shown brightly when he met a beautiful brown-eyed girl at King’s restaurant and decided in just 3 months of being her biggest tipper that she was the one for him. Together, they built a life full of laughter, hard work, and love that spread far beyond their home. His ability to love big, laugh loud, give the best bear-hugs and be in everyone’s corner was a hallmark feature in every place he showed up, from being the one who did all the grilling at every Sunday dinner at his parent’s house to being the dad who everyone knew and loved at every volleyball and basketball game he attended for his girls. Even though he was often holding down several jobs and was “busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest”, he still made time for family a priority.

And his definition of family stretched far and wide. Growing up, his home was always full of his daughter’s friends because he was considered to be ‘dad’ to everyone. Even in the apartment complex where Dianne and he lived for several years, he was well known throughout the complex for championing and cheering on everyone he met and also being the one place where every dog in the complex couldn’t wait to stop on their daily walks. He was generous, listened well, and truly cared about everyone he met.

Aside from family and friends, there were many things Jeff loved. From a good cigar to good country music, a hearty meal with plenty of meat to something chocolate for dessert, a rowdy political conversation to a quiet morning on the lake trolling for bluegill, bass, and catfish, Jeff was full of life and enjoyed it all.

Later in life, he finally retired and slowed down, stating that “his get-up-and-go got up and left”, all he wanted was time with his family, a cigar in his mouth, all of “his dogs” around, and the beauty of looking out at the trees behind his home, listening to the birds sing.

Jeff was simple in the best way: present, full-hearted, loyal and grounded with clear values and roots that shaped him into someone who touched the lives of every single person he ever met - and he never met a stranger. To know him was to love him, and his light will continue to shine from every corner and from every person who had the chance to experience him.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life this Saturday, May 17th. For details, please reach out directly to the family

In lieu of flowers, we are graciously asking for donations to:

Northland Cathedral, in honor of Jeffrey’s faith and the for church he was a proud member

• Donate directly https://pushpay.com/g/northlandcathedral?src=hpp

• If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to Northland Cathedral Assembly of God Inc.

Kansas City Kansas Animal Shelter in honor of his love and passion for animals of all kinds, but especially dogs

• Explore their Amazon Wish List here https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9JPCWNEM4RDN?&sort=default

• Donate directly https://fkas.betterworld.org/donate

• If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to Friends of KCK Animal Services