Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Eilene Snyder

 July 15, 1925 - Feb. 21, 2010
NORTH LIBERTY - Eilene Ruth Snyder, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at Hospice House in Roseland. Eilene was born July 15, 1925, in Mishawaka, IN, to William and Helen (LaFave) Freeze. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold LeRoy Snyder Sr.; her father and mother-in-law, Palmer and Minnie (Nelson) Snyder; her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Charles Hess; and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis (Clark) Snyder. On October 31, 1947, she married Harold LeRoy Snyder in the First Christian Church in Mishawaka. They lived in the North Liberty community most of their married life. Surviving are her 10 children, Harold LeRoy and Joanie Snyder, Robert and Donna Snyder, Patricia and Frank Criniti, Christine and Michael Werntz, William and Becky Snyder, Susan and Timothy Baughman, Rebecca and Jerry Schoelkopf, John and Gwen Snyder, Stephen and Kathy Snyder, and Noel and Kim Snyder. Dear to her heart are her grandchildren, Kari and Russ Lowry, Heather and Ray Blair, Harold LeRoy Snyder III, Thomas and Haley Snyder, Graham and Jennifer Snyder, Beth Snyder and Steve Beros, Amy and Jeff Avansino, Adam Criniti, Mark and Jenna Criniti, Abbey and Phillip Hoffman, Michael and Gail Werntz, Sara and Alex Coker, William Snyder Jr., Jessica Snyder, Matthew Baughman, Rachael Bryan, Nathaniel Baughman and Trisha Reid, Jerry Schoelkopf, Joshua and Raquel Snyder, Ty Snyder, Stephen Snyder, Noel Snyder Jr., and Zoe Snyder. Step-grandchildren, Kirk and Kassey Schoelkopf, Brianna Schoelkopf, Katrina Schoelkopf, Erica Pressey, Jennifer, Randy Lynn and Brandon Gray. Blessed great-grandchildren, Phillip, Owen and Alexia Lowry, Heath, Reese and Gavin Blair, Finley and Camyrn Snyder, Mia, John and Luke Avansino, James Criniti, Emma and Zachary Hoffman, Seth Werntz, DelShonte, Kiana and Elijah Coker, Lucas Snyder, Ellie and Betsy Bryan, Morgan Baughman, Lexus and Devin Pressey, Mason, Jayden and Shawneen Gray, Madison, Jayden and Preston Schoelkopf; and a great-grandchild due in August. She is also survived by her brothers, Tom and Donna Freeze, Vernon and Betty Freeze, Robert and Harriet Freeze; a sister, Carol and William Hoel; and an aunt, Betty Wechter. Also a brother-in-law, Gene and Peggy Snyder, and sister-in-law, Maxine and Ivan Amor; many nieces and nephews; her dear friends, Evelyn Runyan and Nancy Drekman; and her beloved Amish friends. Eilene was a member of the Church of Christ in North Liberty for more than 50 years. She was a pianist and sang in the choir. Her church family was very important to her, but most important was her love for her Lord and Savior. Eilene was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1943. She continued her education and went on to graduate from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1947. She worked as a registered nurse for many years at Ball Band, taught at Ivy Tech, worked in labor and delivery at St. Joseph Hospital, South Bend, and finished her career as head nurse of Labor and Delivery at Memorial Hospital. She loved her work and had great respect for all. She was privileged to work with many wonderful health professionals. She cherished the many friends she made during her career and treated all with respect and dignity. Eilene touched many lives and she will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held today, February 24, 2010, from 2-8 p.m. in the Church of Christ, State Road 23, North Liberty. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the Church of Christ, with Pastor Tim Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ, North Liberty; or to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. A.M. Manuel Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. The family of Eilene Snyder would like to take this opportunity to thank the nursing staff and physicians of Memorial Hospital and Hospice House for the care and compassion extended to our mother during her illness. Your acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

Published in South Bend Tribune from February 23 to February 24, 2010