06/19/2023

Obituary for Madelyn R. Snyder

Mother of Clay and Trent Snyder, Grandmother of Chad and C.D. Ridge Snyder, Sister-in-law of Paul Snyder, and relation to other Snyder family associates with Snyder Funeral Homes

Madelyn R. Snyder, age 92 of Marion, formerly of Mt. Gilead, Bellville, and Butler passed away at the home of her daughter, her care provider while surrounded by many of those who loved her most following a decline in health the last several months.

Born on January 1, 1931, in Jetmore, Kansas, she was a beloved daughter of Bert and Wilma (Eggerman) McConachie. With an opportunity to leave Missouri and the Dust Bowl, she and her family moved to Ohio in 1940. She graduated from Bellville High School in 1948 and the Minnick Beauty School in 1947.

Marrying her high school sweetheart; Philip Snyder, together with the help of family they built their first home on Dickerson Avenue in Bellville in 1952. Shortly after they moved to Butler to operate the Snyder Funeral Home there until 1962, and then moved to Mt. Gilead, opening a fifth Snyder Funeral Home location. In 1975 they moved to Marion, establishing a sixth funeral home. Madelyn and Phil worked tirelessly for 26 years in the family concern. Her lessons of empathy, warmth, and compassion continue to serve as an inspiration for our family business today. And a guiding example to her sons and grandsons.  

A consummate people person, in 1979, God opened a door and she became the business manager of Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion. For 20 years, she not only used her business sense, but she also used her caring heart to serve the needs of the community and congregation of Marion. She will certainly be remembered for her trademark candy dish and required hug in order to select a piece of candy.

She was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion, Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Gilead, and the Butler United Methodist Church. At one time Madelyn was an active member of the Marie Garst Circle at Epworth, United Methodist Women of Trinity, and the Senior Progress Club.

Her true mission in life was to provide joy and positive mentoring to her family and the youth at each of her church memberships. Never afraid of hard work, she spent her vacation time participating in over 30 Mission trips throughout the United States and Bolivia, ministering to those communities in need, in reservations, flood relief, urban blight, and Appalachia.  Through those mission trips, she mentored, supported, counseled, and most importantly listened to countless youth. Providing positive reinforcement and lessons for life to those participants and beyond.  She also served as a youth counselor at Epworth UMC for 12 years.

Always with a song in her heart, she used music to connect with youth. She served as the director of the children’s choirs both voice and bell at Trinity and Epworth United Methodist Church’s from 1963-1986 and again from 2000 - 2014. Madelyn was also the organist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Butler for 10 years, volunteered at Morning View Care Center in Marion, and was a mentor for the Ohio Reads Program.

Madelyn’s table was always open, just as her heart, her home-cooked meals, and warm conversation will long be remembered. She was the master of the electric skillet and could whip up a hearty meal from remnants of a bare refrigerator. Her ham loaf, cubed potatoes, barbecued chicken, cucumber salad, brownies, and so many more favorites will never be forgotten.  Of course, she listened and smiled more than she spoke, she provided a safe haven and atmosphere for friends, youth, and family to gather and share in friendship, comradery, and support.

She took great interest and was an active participant in the lives and activities of each of her grandchildren, of whom she was most proud. From making homemade play dough, playing Scrabble, providing music lessons, and a listening ear, to being a guiding example all fostered in love and concern.

Humble beyond compare, she leaves this world a much better place because of her faith, abiding example, and genuine caring ways. She will forever remain treasured for her love of family and all people, as well as caring and doing for others, always putting others before herself.

Her large heart was also a tender one, experiencing the passing of her parents, son Craig in 2010, infant great-granddaughter Mariposa, sister Marilyn Bowman in 2017, brothers Marvin McConachie in 2010, R. Keith McConachie in 1973, as well as Philip the father of her children in 1986.

Madelyn loved large and echoed the words of 1st Corinthians 12:13 in her daily living: “Three things will last forever, faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” She will forever be remembered as a woman of deep and abiding faith. One who made a difference in this world, treasured her family, and was a mother to many more than her own. Her love leaves memories that no one can steal.

She was dearly loved by countless, especially her son Trent (Reina) Snyder of West Palm Beach Florida, daughters and consummate care providers Julie Snyder (Dorie Stutts) of Marion, son Clay (Jacqui) Snyder of Delaware, daughter-in-law Cindi (Andy) Snyder Anatra of Marion, precious and treasured grandchildren: Ryan (Dhara) Snyder of London, England, Tiffani (David) Tobin of Lewis Center, Chad (Rachel) Snyder of Marion, Cassandra Snyder of Westerville, Ridge Snyder of Sunbury, Madelyn “Sophi” Snyder of Washington D.C.; great-grandchildren: Ava and Craig "CJ" Tobin, Amara Snyder, Charlie and Garrix Snyder.

She is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Helen Snyder, Gifta Snyder, T. Art Snyder, J. Paul Snyder, Janet Hope, James and Patricia Snyder, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of treasured friends.

Madelyn was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Dwight Bowman, Helen McConachie, Don & Virginia Snyder, David & Jean Snyder, Richard Snyder, Robert & Dorothy Snyder, Pete Snyder, Joyce Snyder, Shontel Snyder, Betty & Bill Ritchie, James Hope, Patricia & Larry Hoffman, Arden Snyder, niece Ginger Bowman, and countless other extended family, classmates, and dear friends.  

“She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” Proverbs 31:10-12

Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 p. m. - 7:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43302, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday with her dear friend and Pastor Pamela Lamb-Hart officiating.  Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery. Services will be conducted per her teachings and example by her sons and grandsons with Snyder Funeral Homes.

For those unable to attend her services, you can watch the live stream of her services on the Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel, Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DenzerChapelSFH/) which will start just prior to her services.

While she loved flowers, per Madelyn’s desires and the benefit of others, Madelyn requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to either Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43202 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 E. High St., Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338, for Youth Mission Trips.

The Snyder Family encourages the sharing of a special story or remembrance of Madelyn at: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com