Robert Joseph Rider
Marriages
Sally Ann Ontiveros - April 21, 1955
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6A Obituary - July 12, 2016
Robert Joseph Rider
December 28, 1931 - July 5, 2016
Robert Joseph Rider, 84, of
Grand Junction, passed away
unexpectedly at St. Mary’s
Hospital, Tuesday, July 5,
2016.
He was born December 28,
1931, to John Henry and
Margaret Ann Rider in Grand
Junction, Colorado. He
graduated from Fruita Union
High School, May 25, 1950,
where he lettered in football.
He enlisted in the United States Army on September 1, 1950,
where he served in the Korean War, 40th Division, 981st Field
Artillery Battalion "Charlie Battery". He received numerous
medals including Korean Service medal, bronze and silver star,
Army of Occupation medal of Japan and Marksmanship medals.
Robert married Sally Ann Ontiveros on April 21, 1955, and
they resided in Santa Maria, California, where they raised their
three children, Robin, Todd and Marci.
Robert worked for over 40 years as a plumber, as owner and
operator of Rider Plumbing and T & R Plumbing with his son,
Todd Rider.
His hobbies included boating, waterskiing and camping. He
also enjoyed hunting and fishing. As a member of the Military
Vehicle Preservation Association, he enjoyed restoring military
vehicles, as well as a classic VW Beetle and antique tractors.
Survivors include his three children, Robin Norlund of Logan,
Utah; Todd Rider of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Marci
Gheno of Los Osos, California; grandchildren, Brandon
Norlund, Erin Maughan, Stephen Norlund, Jacob Norlund,
Ashley Gheno, Joseph Gheno, and James Hunter; greatgrandchildren,
Roman Stilwell, Domenic Stilwell, Lola Pierce,
David Maughan and Lucia Norlund; sister and brother-in-law,
Irene and Fred Ligrani; brother, Jake "Jack" Rider, and nephew,
Delbert Coulson, all of Grand Junction, plus numerous nieces
and nephews.
The twelfth of 13 children, Robert was preceded in death by
his parents, John and Margaret Rider; siblings, Marie Rider,
Bertha Phares, Martha Goettelman, John Rider, Elbert "Sonny"
Rider, Leah Watson, Betty Heinrich, and Charles Rider.
Our father was a loving and devoted family man who
generously helped his family and friends throughout his
lifetime. We love and honor his memory.
Graveside services are scheduled at Orchard Mesa Cemetery
on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Gathering to follow at
Robert’s home in Grand Junction.
In lieu of flowers please make any contributions to St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital on behalf of our father.
