Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Maradee Williams Rider, 76, of Stephenson, VA, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at her home with family by her side.

Maradee was born in 1949 in Minneapolis, MN, daughter of the late Warren and Audrey Williams. She was a graduate of Minnesota State University earning a Bachelor’s of Education degree and a Navy Post Graduate earning a Master’s degree in Organizational Management. Maradee was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Gulf War Era, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. After her retirement from the Navy in 1994, Maradee was a teacher at Dranesville Elementary School in Herndon, VA, retiring in 2014. She was an Honored Queen with the Order of Job’s Daughters with the Eastern Star and was a very creative person, especially with cross-stitching. Maradee was a huge Disney fan and enjoyed sharing that passion with her grandchildren. She was of the Lutheran faith.

Maradee married James “JW” Rider in 1975 in Minneapolis, MN.

Surviving with her husband is a daughter, Heather Rider Mundwiler (Richard Roswell) and a son, James Williams Rider (Laura) both of Stephenson, VA; grandchildren, Ava, Micah, Reagan Rider, and Madison Bramhall, all of Stephenson, VA; brothers, Gregg Williams (Kathy) of Chaska, MN and Gary Williams (Sharon) of Maple Grove, MN; and her devoted canine companion, Atlas.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A memorial service will follow the gathering at 2 pm. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.