02/20/2025

Obituary for Susan Isabel Babik

Mother of Linda Snyder, Funeral Director; Mother-in-Law to J. Todd Snyder; Grandmother to Hannah Snyder Wernecke and Gideon P. Snyder; Funeral Directors and Owners, all of Snyder Funeral Homes Inc.

Nothing shapes a life more than the commitments one makes. And nothing forms a legacy more than how those commitments were kept. Susan Babik ascribed to high standards of righteousness - to do the right thing - with absolute commitment to Christ and the local church. She didn't segment her life - giving part of her time to God, part to work, part to herself. She lived completely under the authority of God, giving Him honor and glory. To be fully present in the presence of God is the goal of a Christian Life. Susan personified Proverbs 21:21: “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

With graciousness, The Lord called Susan to Himself Wednesday evening, February 12, 2025, from her home in The Christian Village at Mason. She was 93.

Born Susan Isabel Ritenour on January 23, 1932 in Ross Township of Greene County, Ohio, to parents Millard Kerns and Edna Blanche (Little) Ritenour, she graduated from Ross Township High School in 1950. She attended Cincinnati Bible College, earning a Church Secretary Certificate in 1953.

On a blind date, she met a student from The Ohio State University - a Cleveland native - Jerry Frank Babik with whom she shared the foundation of faith in Christ - and the two were married September 18, 1953.

Susan and Jerry moved to Texas to fulfill his U.S. Army assignments and returned to Cincinnati to raise their family. Once the children were in school, Susan entered the workforce, starting as a temporary agency employee serving XOMOX Corporation. She was promoted to assistant payroll manager, working there nearly 30 years. She retired in 1994.

A pillar in the Madeira Church of Christ, Susan sang in the choir as well as a ladies Gospel quartet, served in the nursery, mentored women, and volunteered in nearly every capacity a Christian woman could. Raising her family in the Christian Church, Susan instilled in them a Christian lifestyle, prioritized God, and modeled devotion to Christ.

Thirty years ago, she and Jerry moved from Madeira to The Christian Village at Mason - the community that became her retirement home. Susan worked the front desk of the Village Center spreading kindness and cheer, and securing friendships and a place in the hearts of many residents through the years.

Her devoted husband, Jerry, passed into the Lord's care in 2004.

Remembered as a kind and loyal friend to many, Susan will forever be renowned for the love she lavished on her family. Her sense of humor helped her look on the lighter side of situations. She humbly displayed compassion and kindness to all, never seeking the limelight. Susan readily offered her opinion when necessary, and her admonitions always fell on the side of righteousness.

Following her husband's passing, Susan was blessed by God with a friendship with Jerry Green, a widower himself.

She is survived by her children: David and Paula Babik of Florence, Kentucky, Roger and Tanya Babik of Walton, Kentucky, and Linda and J. Todd Snyder of Mansfield, Ohio; grandchildren Stephen and Megan Babik of Owenton, Kentucky, Sharon and Tadd Foley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Deborah and Matt Flower of Florence, Kentucky, Lydia and Travis Young of Walton, Kentucky, Jerrod and Stephanie Babik of Walton, Kentucky, Leah and Sean Barry of Walton, Kentucky, Joy and Adam Smith of Walton, Kentucky, Hannah and Dantan Wernecke of Mansfield, Ohio, and Gideon and Janet Snyder of Mansfield, Ohio; great grandchildren Dominic Foley, Lacey Foley, Logan Babik, Zoe Babik, Elaina Babik, Lucas Young, Josephine Young, Graham Babik, Ryland Babik, Clark Barry, Larson Barry, Ralph Barry, Ellison Smith, Sylvia Smith, Judah Snyder, Benjamin Snyder, Shepherd Snyder, and Calvin Snyder and three on the way; dear friends Patty and Courtenay Bythewood of Loveland, Ohio; a niece Trudy and Arlin Bolejack of Cape Coral, Florida; and nephews Thomas McKnight and Marian Sabety of Washington DC, and Rick and Cindy McKnight of Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Ann McKnight, her friend Jerry Green, and an infant brother.

The family will receive guests Friday, February 21, 2025, from 11 a.m. to Noon in the Stone Center of the Christian Village at Mason, 411 Western Row Road, Mason, Ohio, 45040. A worship service, giving glory to God for the life of Susan Babik will be held immediately following at 12 p.m. in the Stone Center. Lifelong friend and co-laborer in Christ Dr. Lee Mason will lead the funeral service. Returning Susan's body to her childhood home, burial will be in Grape Grove Cemetery, Greene County, with a committal service at 3:30 p.m. Snyder Funeral Home (419-884-1711), Lexington Avenue Chapel, Mansfield, Ohio is handling funeral services.

Contributions in Susan's memory may be made to Master Provisions, Building Fund, 7725 Foundation Drive, Florence, Kentucky 41042, and may be made at the funeral.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Babik family: Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma. Share a message of support and watch her tribute video online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com