Clayton Ridder

Clayton James Ridder, age 92 of Manhattan, Kansas passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

He was born on December 19, 1933, in Paxico, Kansas, the son of August Maurice and Mary Ellen (Straub) Ridder.

On July 11, 1957, he married Sherry Ann Siegle at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas.

Clayton grew up farming and ranching and carried those early lessons and values throughout his life. Over the years, he built a life centered on family, ranching, close friends and "creating" adventure. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and wit, and found joy in designing and building everything imaginable, be it wood or weld.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sherry Ridder; two sons, Tony Ridder and wife Ruth of Olsburg and Scott Ridder and wife Karalee of Olsburg; ten grandchildren, Amanda Wonnacott (Jared), Scotty Ridder, Jr. (Danielle), Holly Ridder, Heather Morgan (Daniel), Steven Ridder, Hannah Ridder (Dylan Zimmer), Steve Berklund (Winter), Molly Ridder (Mickey Doerfler), Nick Ridder, and Peter Ridder (Kaitlynn) and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Merlyn Ridder, Clarence "Cookie" Ridder, and Kenneth Ridder, and two sisters, Joan Ridder Helget and Sarah Jane "Suzie" Ridder Zoeller.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Friday, July 24, 2026, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Flush with Fr. Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for the Good Shepherd Hospice House and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.

Clayton's legacy of gentle strength will continue in the lives of all who loved him.