Longtime Vincennes Resident JoAnn Josephine Ryder Dies at 93

Ryder was an active member of the Harmony Society and loved decorating, baking, and spending time with family.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:25pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, capturing the cozy, familial atmosphere of a holiday celebration with hints of baked goods, decorations, and gathered loved ones.The vibrant holiday celebrations and family gatherings that defined JoAnn Josephine Ryder's life in Vincennes.Mitchell Today

JoAnn Josephine Ryder, a 93-year-old resident of Vincennes, Indiana, passed away on March 27, 2026. She retired from K-Mart as a food service manager in 1996 and was an active member of the Harmony Society since the 1970s. Ryder was known for her love of decorating, baking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Why it matters

Ryder's passing marks the end of an era for the Vincennes community, where she was a beloved and active member for decades. Her involvement with the Harmony Society and dedication to her family and hobbies reflect the values and traditions of the Midwest region.

The details

JoAnn Josephine Ryder was born on March 16, 1933, in Mitchell, Indiana to Luella (Wynn) and Leon Dalton. She retired from K-Mart as the food service manager in 1996 and was a longtime member of the Harmony Society, a local organization she was actively involved with. Ryder was known for her love of decorating her home for holidays, baking cookies, gardening, and playing Bingo. She also enjoyed traveling to visit her daughters in Indianapolis, Nashville, and New York City.

  • JoAnn Josephine Ryder passed away on March 27, 2026.
  • Ryder was born on March 16, 1933 in Mitchell, Indiana.
  • Ryder retired from K-Mart as the food service manager in 1996.
  • Ryder became a member of the Harmony Society in the 1970s.

The players

JoAnn Josephine Ryder

A 93-year-old resident of Vincennes, Indiana who retired from K-Mart as the food service manager in 1996 and was an active member of the Harmony Society since the 1970s.

Luella (Wynn) Dalton

JoAnn Josephine Ryder's mother.

Leon Dalton

JoAnn Josephine Ryder's father.

Denise (Carl Cohen) Barlow

One of JoAnn Josephine Ryder's daughters.

Michelle (Paul) Ryder-Grebel

One of JoAnn Josephine Ryder's daughters.

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What they’re saying

“JoAnn was such a kind and generous woman who was always there for her family and community. She will be deeply missed.”

— Denise Barlow, Daughter

“Mom loved decorating, baking, and spending time with all of us. Her holiday celebrations were the best, and she always made us feel so special.”

— Michelle Ryder-Grebel, Daughter

What’s next

The funeral service for JoAnn Josephine Ryder will be held on April 4, 2026 at 1 pm, with a visitation from 11 am to 1 pm. She will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery following the service.

The takeaway

JoAnn Josephine Ryder's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Vincennes community, where she was known for her dedication to family, community organizations, and beloved hobbies like holiday decorating and baking. Her life exemplified the Midwestern values of hard work, generosity, and cherishing time with loved ones.