It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gwenda Lee Ryder (Gimamana zi waya), “Yellow Butterfly Woman,” on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 63. Gwenda was surrounded by her children and numerous close family members as she made her final journey to the spirit world.
Gwenda was born in Montmartre, Saskatchewan, on January 13th, 1963. Throughout her life, she called many places home, including Ontario, Vancouver, and Saskatchewan. While living in Saskatchewan, she attended the University of Regina through the SIFC program before later moving to Vancouver. She especially cherished her years in Vancouver, where she lived with her children, worked for RBC, and enjoyed being surrounded by the mountains, ocean, culture, and people. During her time there, Gwen built many cherished friendships and created memories that she carried with her throughout her life.
Anyone who knew Gwen knew that she loved a good game of pool, and she was very good at it. Pool was something she truly enjoyed and a talent she was proud of, bringing together her competitive spirit and the simple joy of spending time with friends and family. Gwen was also an avid sports fan and loved taking in a game whenever she had the chance, whether it was cheering on the Roughriders or enjoying a local baseball game.
In her later years, Gwen returned home to Saskatchewan to be closer to her family. She began her career at SaskTel, where she worked for 12 years. Gwen took great pride in her work and cherished the many friendships she made along the way. Being back home allowed her to remain close to her family and reconnect with the familiar people, places, and community that had always been an important part of her life. Some of her happiest times were spent surrounded by family, camping, enjoying BBQs at the beach, laughing, visiting, and simply being together.
Gwen was predeceased by many cherished family members, including her parents, Glen Ryder and Joyce Prettyshield; her grandparents, George and Elma Ryder, and Edward and Estella Prettyshield; her siblings, Richard Mossip and Judy Carol Prettyshield (Ryder); and her niece, Hillary Ryder. She was also predeceased by her beloved aunties, Gladys Prettyshield, Theresa (Ginny) Prettyshield, Victoria Prettyshield, Barbara Ryder, and Nellie Ryder; her uncles, Victor Prettyshield, Jerry Prettyshield, Max Prettyshield, Raymond Prettyshield, Warren Ryder, and Jimmy Ryder; and her special cousin, Irah (Kellee) Prettyshield.
Gwen is survived by her four daughters, Laura Ryder, Michelle Gelowitz, Brittany Louie, and Tiffany Louie (Joe Gress); her grandchildren, Scarlette Sanderson, Madison Sanderson, Saphire Johnstone, Preston Ryder, and Peyton Ryder; and her many beloved fur grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings, Howie Ryder and April Mossip; Howie’s children, Han Ryder and Cage Ryder; her nephew, Max Fay (Mossip), son of her late brother Richard Mossip; her adopted sisters, Shiela Ryder and Pam Ryder; her aunts, Karen Ryder and Marie Prettyshield; her uncles, Carly Prettyshield (Hilda) and Kurt Ryder (Ivy); as well as numerous extended family members and close cousins.
A Funeral Service will take place at the Cega’kin (Carry the Kettle) First Nation Community Hall on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Elder Kurt Ryder officiating. Following the service, Gwen will be laid to rest at the South Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Barrett Prettyshield, Shane Thomson, Chris Ryder, Kyle Ryder, Kelly Delorme, Ian Prettyshield
Honorary Pallbearers: Hilda Walker, Myra Poitras, Courtney Prettyshield, Marla Thomson, Melissa Ryder, Tessa Prettyshield, Tiffany Eashappie, Shyla Prettyshield, Nicole Prettyshield
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the MICU at Regina General Hospital for the support, kindness, and care they provided. The family would also like to thank Speers Funeral Chapel for their assistance and compassion during this difficult time.
