Betty Ira Rider

Betty Ira Rider died on February 1, 2025, at the age of 77. Her last 19 years were a gradual—and then much faster—decline with dementia. Betty was a force of nature. There were not six degrees of separation in Betty’s world. She knew people everywhere and made friends wherever she went. When Betty met someone, she wanted to know their story and their why, and she likely already knew someone of theirs, or someone who could help them with something. Until her last couple of years, Betty read voraciously on so many topics. She was interested and interesting. She held deep opinions and enjoyed sharing them but was always able to hear others. Music, Judaism, healthcare, and liberal politics were the center of Betty’s life, and she was proud to be a Texan. If she had her way, she would still be doing healthcare consulting because she wanted to fix our broken system. She loved golf, kayaking, playing her guitar, and our dogs. She was a fan of hurkle durkeling, or lying about on a weekend morning with coffee and the paper. If you were lucky enough to be loved by Betty, then you knew deep and unconditional love. 

Betty is survived by her wife, Kris Herfkens, son TK Gordon (Kelly), brother Scott Rider (D’Etta), and extended family of much-loved others. Her nieces and nephews (Maddie, Connor, Tommie, Audrey, Austin, Alex, Chelsea, and Sarah) were especially loved and treasured by Betty. Betty would want to add that she is also survived by her sweet dog, Tucker. Betty and her family are deeply grateful for the care provided by her caregivers, especially Sara, in her last months.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Judea Reform Caring Community fund, Southern Poverty Law Center, or another good cause that Betty would have supported.