Shirley C. Ryder

Cecilia - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia honoring the life of Shirley C. Ryder, 85, who passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in BREAUX BRIDGE on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm. It will continue on Saturday from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. 

A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Friday evening by Michel Cazayoux.

Father Gregory Cormier will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Dawn Marks and Tracie LaPorte. Gift bearers will be Ashley Stelly, Austyn Stelly and Arlei Patin. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Shirley, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend was born on January 22, 1940, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Shirley lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

A dedicated professional, Shirley began her career in the oilfield industry, working with Texas Pacific and Sun Oil. She later served as a supervisor for Medicaid and Medicare for the state, where her commitment to helping others was evident. Her incredible work ethic and strength of spirit defined her life, leaving an indelible mark on those she encountered.

Shirley was known for her adventurous spirit and independent nature. She found joy in flipping houses and took great pride in her outdoor pursuits, spending countless hours tending to her yard and nurturing her garden. Her enthusiasm extended to her family life, where she was always supportive of her granddaughters' shenanigans, creating countless joyful memories for them to treasure.

As a devout Christian, Shirley maintained a daily ritual of reciting the Rosary, reflecting her unwavering faith. Her creativity was boundless; she was an excellent seamstress and she lovingly crafted porcelain dolls by hand. In her kitchen, she was the queen of baking, delighting family and friends with sweet treats and festive Christmas candies. 

Dancing at Pat's was one of her favorite ways to get her weekly exercise and where her vibrant spirit truly came alive.

Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon LaPorte (Rod) and Beverly Kilgo; daughter-in-law, Tracie LaPorte; grandchildren, Brandi Patin and husband, Bo and Ashley Stelly and husband, Matt; step-grandchild, Jaide Leger (Jules); great-grandchildren, Cane and Austyn Stelly and Arlei and Mason Patin; and brother, Norris Courville.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Ryder; son, Kevin Jude LaPorte; sons-in-law, Wade Kilgo and Michael Fitzgerald; father of her children, Abel LaPorte; parents, Clayus Courville and Leednee Thibodeaux Courville; and siblings, Shelby Courville, Thelma Melancon, Florence Gibson, Ames Courville, and Joseph Courville. 

Pallbearers will be Matt Stelly, Bo Patin, Cane Stelly, Mason Patin, Brandi Patin and Sharon LaPorte.

The family wishes to give a heartfelt thanks to Heather Miller for the exceptional care she gave to Shirley. They are forever grateful.

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.