Cora Ridder

Cora M. Ridder, 83, of Moorhead, MN died at home on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Cora was born in Oakes, ND on September 3, 1938. Cora was the youngest of nine children born to Elizabeth M. (Royle) and Thomas W. Gibson. She attended school in Oakes, graduating from Oakes High School in 1956. During high school, she was active in theatre and the drum and bugle corps.

Upon graduation, Cora went to work for Northwestern Bell in Oakes. She loved her job and the people she worked with. However, Cora’s true passion was the family farm. She often remarked how blessed and honored she was to be able to live at home, help her mother and assist on the farm.

Cora married Lynn Ridder on September 2, 1961, in Oakes. The couple relocated to Fargo where she continued working for Northwestern Bell. Having a great love for the outdoors, Cora often walked across town going to and from work.
Cora and Lynn eventually moved to Casselton, ND, where they raised their family. Cora was an amazing stay at home mom. Leading by example, she taught her children the importance and value of faith, family, hard work, good deeds and random acts of kindness. She was a tremendous cook and baker and always shared her baked goods with friends and neighbors.
After her children were older Cora returned to work part-time. She held various jobs over the years, including working for the Casselton Reporter Newspaper, Community Health in Fargo and making calls to farmers and working in the scale house during the annual sugar beet harvest.

Cora loved music and often had music playing in her home. Some of her favorite artists include: Don Williams, Elvis Presley, Freddy Fender, Ferlin Husky, Vern Gosdin, Marty Robbins and Boxcar Willie. Cora’s favorite song was “You are My Sunshine”, which she and Lisa sang every night at bedtime.

Cora’s faith meant everything to her. When she lived in Oakes, she was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Westminister Presbyterian Church in Casselton for over 55 years.

Cora loved animals, especially horses and dogs. Perhaps her only regret about living in Moorhead was that she couldn’t have a horse. She also enjoyed going for drives, going to parks, having picnics, going to the lakes, and going to the Dairy Queen.

She also loved sunsets, rainbows, airplanes, car shows, parades, watching the moon, decorating her yard and she always had a flag on display in the yard.

Cora had the best sense of humor and loved to joke. She cherished time spent with family and friends. She loved sitting on the deck with Lisa, watching cars go by. She always kept an eye out for people walking by, never missing an opportunity to shout out a friendly greeting.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lynn; in-laws, Henry Ridder and Evelyn (Bud Strouse) Ridder Strouse; seven siblings and their spouses, Bill (Della), Tim (Irene), Sam (Florence), Larry, Daisy (Ole) Nassen, Patty (Gerald) Coon and Peggy (Leo) Nikle; and great-granddaughter: Chloe.

Left to treasure her memory and carry on her legacy are her children, Lisa (friend, Ron), and Mike (Kelly); four grandchildren: Ashley (Fiancé, Alex), Tanya (Jamie), Logan (Fiancée, Ramie), and Darrek; brother, Mike (Barb); sister-in-law: Pat (Larry) Gibson Schurmann; and a long list of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank friends, family and especially many of Lisa’s friends who were in contact with Cora over the years and brightened her days.

In lieu of flowers, Cora wanted to encourage people to consider planting trees and remind them to take time to enjoy the quiet, watch the birds, smell the roses, and enjoy life. Cora was all about being good to others and making a difference. As you move forward with your lives, please do something good that will benefit others. Please remember Cora during your next random act of kindness.

A Private Family Service will be held for Cora.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)