Robert C. Ridder (February 25, 1927 â May 25, 2021) was an American educator and politician in the state of Washington. Ridder served in the Washington State Senate as a Democrat from the 35th District from 1967 to 1973. He attended the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and completed graduate studies. He was later an educator, serving as a vice principal of a junior high school (Showalter Junior High - Tukwila, WA). He retired from his Senate seat in 1973 and was succeeded by his wife, Ruthe.