Shelia Gower Ryder Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Shelia Gower Ryder of Clearwater, Florida, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, who passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Earl Gower and Audrey Ellis Gower. She is survived by: her children, Edward Ryder, Jr. (Kelley) and Amy Ryder Adams (Jason); her siblings, Connie Davis, Pat Miller, Debbie McDuff and Elmo Gower; and her grandchildren, Carter Ryder, Matthew Ryder, Emma Ryder, Bailey Ryder, Justin Adams and Christian Adams.

Shelia also spent many years working at the BARE Foster Care Foundation; and, she cared for both her mother and her father in their final years.