Local fashion and costume designer Jane Ryder passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Born on September 27, 1954, to June and Ralph Welty in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. Jane was a beloved fixture in the Shreveport art scene, having showcased her costumes, fashions, and millinery work at local venues around town including Art Space, Christmas in the Sky, and most recently an integral fixture at the annual Norton Art Gallery's Derby Day festivities.
A native of Exeter in England, Jane finally made her home in Shreveport in 1992. By the early 2000s, Jane was making a name for herself as an aspiring fashion designer in the local community, designing costumes for Mardi Gras events, evening gowns for Christmas in the Sky, and one of a kind wedding and bride's maid dresses. Jane's designs have graced many film premieres over the years as well as the Oscar Red Carpet.
In 2005, Jane began working for the emerging local film industry, beginning with the production of Factory Girl. Some of her credits include Olympus Has Fallen, Playing the Field, Drive Angry, Battle Los Angeles, Mad Money and many others. Most recently she was an integral part of the costume department for the WGN original series Salem.
Jane's passion was hat making where her original designs were carried by once local fashion staple Knox Goodman's as well as The Agora Borealis and Harper House. Her designs have also adorned the heads of celebrities such as Joan Rivers and been featured at events such as The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
Last year Jane starred in the top 20 short film Made Hen for the Louisiana Film Prize and was nominated for best actress in that film. She also designed costumes for many of the shorts featured in the LA Film Prize over the years.
Jane is survived by her parents, June and Ralph Welty; daughter, Samantha Noe; and sister and brother-in-law, Caroline and Gary Newell in Shreveport; sons, Christopher Ryder (wife Tracy) and Mark Ryder (wife Louise); as well as grandchildren, Lauren and Lucy Ryder in England. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Welty. Jane had many more Aunts, Uncles, cousins and extended family and tons of friends here and across the pond.
A celebration of Jane's life will be held Friday, May 20, 2016 at 4 o'clock p.m. at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel, Shreveport, LA. The family will receive friends after the service until 7o'clock p.m. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home and/or donations can be made on gofundme.com/rydermemorialfund.