Patricia "Pat" Ryder Lewis

Patricia “Pat” Ryder Lewis, 82, returned to her heavenly home on March 13th, 2015 after a long illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Pat was born to the late Claude and Miriam Ryder, in Melrose, MA on August 17th, 1932. Pat was the eldest of the Ryder’s 3 children. Being exceptionally smart and driven, she graduated high school at age 16 and received her B.S. in Nursing from Simmons College in Cambridge MA. She was dedicated for over 30 years at Annie Penn Hospital as a R.N. Pat was blessed with a large and loving family. She married Paul Lewis Sr., on November 26th, 1960. Pat raised her six children with patience, discipline and humility. She taught them the value of academics and the love of learning. She was often found outside with the family on the farm. She instilled in her children an abiding love and devotion to the Catholic faith. Pat had a love of children and was kind and giving to anyone she met. She volunteered for more the 30 years as a leader for the Bethany 4-H club. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace. Pat is survived by her husband, Paul Lewis Sr. her children and their families: Paul Lewis II, his wife Therese of Texas and their children Natalie Livedalen and John; Patty Isley and her husband Scott; Peter Lewis and his wife Kellye, and their children Anna and Andrew; Phillip Lewis and his wife Leslie and their children Zachary, Emily, Abigail and Caroline; Peggie Lewis-Joyce and her husband Todd; Paige Lewis and his wife Lela McCollum-Lewis and their children Claire Grace, Sophie, and Lucy Eliza; and her great granddaughter Evangeline Livedalen. She is preceded in death by her parents Claude and Miriam Ryder; and her grandson, Nathaniel Sharp Lewis. Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 17 at Holy Infant Catholic Church in Reidsville at 6:00 p.m. with the Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Holy Infant Catholic church with a private graveside service for the family followed by a Repast at Lufty Hall (Holy Infant) for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center, 804 Cedar Lane, Reidsville. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to www.wilkersonfuneral.com.