George Barton RyderMuscatine, IA

George Barton Ryder, 74, of Muscatine, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Lutheran Living Care Facility with his beloved family by his side. A memorial service to honor his memory will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00 P.M at Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine; visitation will be before the service starting at 12:00 P.M. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Muscatine is caring for the family. Memorials in George’s name may be made to any Muscatine Charity of choice. Online condolences may be left to the family by visiting George’s obituary at www.sandhfuneralservice.com
George Barton Ryder was born in Detroit Michigan to parents Violet and George Arthur Ryder, a veteran of World War 2. A gifted musician, respected business leader, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a compassionate chaplain; he lived a life marked by talent, conviction, and service to others. George showed extraordinary musical ability almost as soon as he could reach the piano keys. By the age of four he was already playing, and music would become his first great calling. He went on to study at Bob Jones University, University of Illinois and Northwestern University, developing the discipline that would not only serve him in music but in business as well. George was a man whose life grew with his responsibilities. With a young family to raise, he turned his talents toward the lighting industry and built a distinguished career, serving as a Vice President of Sales and Marketing. George liked to say, “when the sun goes down the lights turn on.” And those who worked alongside him knew him as a principled leader; steady, thoughtful, and generous with both guidance and encouragement. In the later chapters of his life, George answered a deeper calling. He became a chaplain, spending his days with those nearing life’s end. In quiet hospital rooms and solemn moments with families, he offered comfort, prayer, and presence. His Christian faith shaped this work profoundly. To George, faith was never about condemnation or division, but about restoration, mercy, and hope. He created Connect Nurture Restore to help people find their own pathway to healing through God. And he understood that while everyone has a different path, we all end up in the same place, and we all need to be restored through God’s grace.
Above every title he ever held—musician, executive, chaplain—George considered his greatest role to be that of husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryll, sister Corinne (Steve), and his children: Barton (Meg), Geoffrey (Danielle), Jane (Kyle), George (Annie), Ryan (Memphis) and Nathan (Kristin). George was an amazing grandfather and will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Mason, Christopher, Grace, Elizabeth, Wren and George David. To his family he was a steady hand, a wise counselor, and a man whose love and compassion was constant. George now goes to join his son Paul Ryder and to all his family who have passed before him. He is now fully restored and resting with God. George’s life was one of impact. He led with humility, served with compassion, and left behind a family and community made stronger by his presence. His story is remembered not only in the work he did, but in the many lives he lifted along the way. He will be missed.