Rebecca Ann Rider
December 26, 1956-June 17, 2026
Rebecca Ann Rider, 69, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida.
Born on December 26, 1956, in Huntington, Indiana, Rebecca was the fourth of five siblings and the only daughter of Warren and Jewell Cash Rider. Growing up with four brothers – who loved her but constantly teased her – gave Rebecca a resilience and sense of humor that persisted throughout her life. In 1974, she attended Hanover College for two years before transferring to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. While in college, she joined Kappa Alpha Theta and was a dedicated member of the sorority for over 50 years. Following graduation, she pursued a career in high fashion, first working for French designer Charles Jourdan and then moving to New York City for a position with Chacok. In the 1990s, however, Rebecca changed the course of her career, enrolling in the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. In 1993, she received the degree of Juris Doctor and in 1995, became a member of the Florida Bar, which she remained a member of for over 30 years. As a lawyer and certified mediator, Rebecca practiced Family Law, specializing in divorce. She was known as a tough lawyer (her tagline was “Call me before your spouse does!”) but fair, helping many navigate the process and avoid litigation. Early in her career and at the request of her mentor, Judge John Scheb, Rebecca contributed to the foundational textbook Introduction to the American Legal System. Rebecca lived and based her legal practice in Sarasota, Florida, where she met her long-time partner, Richard Hoffman. Together, they shared a home and two cats, Rufus and Cowboy.
She is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her partner, Richard; brothers, Paul (Shanron) Rider, Larry (Sue) Rider, Randall (Karen) Rider, and Robert (Ilona) Rider; nieces and nephews, Steven, Ashley, Lara, Matt, Mary, James, and Cass; cousin, Dawn Held; and lifelong friend, Lisa Gaus.
A private interment of ashes ceremony will be held in Anderson at East Maplewood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her parents. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Sarasota, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Rebecca to St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236.
----------- Hark now, hear the sailors cry Smell the sea and feel the sky Let your soul and spirit fly Into the mystic - Excerpt from "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison
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