Joyce Snobarger

Joyce Arlene Snyder Snobarger was gracious, polished, articulate, determined and had a wonderful sense of humor that drew everyone to her. She loved her family and did all she could to be sure that each member of her family knew how loved and special each one was. She was devoted to Fred Snobarger her entire life and the bond that they shared transcended this life. Devil’s Lake, Mich., was a favorite place for them to entertain and enjoy their family and friends for many years.
Joyce and Fred left a valuable legacy in the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: daughters, Jill Gregory and Heidi (Dan) Vaughn; grandchildren, Ryan (Monica) Vaughn, Rachel (Kevin) Gebhardt, Audra (Justin) Blanton, Allyson (Ryan) Felkey and Jesse Stokes; great-grandchildren, Amanda Stokes, Maya Stokes, Kaden Gebhardt, Tyler Gebhardt, Sophia Vaughn, Jax Vaughn, Everlee Blanton and Ivy Blanton.
Joyce was close to her sister, Marita Wenner, and we joked that Marita was in Heaven preparing for a grand “Welcome home to Heaven fiesta” for Joyce. There is no doubt that the heavenly choir has gained an angel. Joyce’s beloved parents were George Washington and Audrey Holden Snyder. Joyce was not only the first lady of our hearts, she was well known for portraying first ladies, as well as other important women in history, by invitation, throughout the state. Her costumed portrayals of Martha Washington, Edith Roosevelt and Anne Morrow Lindbergh were lively, interesting, informative and entertained all those who had the opportunity to attend them.
Joyce’s other accomplishments and contributions to this life are too numerous to list in entirety but include teaching in Columbia Hills High School, Findlay High School and Carey High School from 1951 to 1974; serving on the board of trustees for Dorcas Carey Public Library from 1991-2015; being an integral member of the Carey Women’s Club, Fortnightly Club, S.N.G. Club, Jaycee-ettes, Dining Club, John Carey Park Committee and election board and serving as a Red Cross bloodmobile volunteer, Brownie Scout Leader and Bluebird (Campfire Girls) leader. She also furthered her family’s heritage by serving as vice president of The Snyder Lumber Company and as secretary/treasurer of the Carey Development Corporation, which developed the Snyder Park residential community.
Joyce was incredibly busy throughout her life. She graduated as valedictorian from Carey High School in 1947, where she was head majorette and was in or led nearly every club, chorus and organization that the high school offered. In her spare time, she was assistant organist at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. She went on to earn her degree from Wittenberg University and, while there, was president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority (subsequently her niece became her sorority sister), was a member of the Alma Mater Queen Court, was in numerous honoraries, was again a majorette and again led numerous councils and organizations. She completed her college career by graduating magna cum laude in 1951.
Joyce was active in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church throughout her life (attending First Lutheran when she and Fred lived in Findlay). She sang in the Carey Ecumenical Choir and served on the selection committees for the organ and stained glass windows. She was a member and trustee for Mary Marthas.
Joyce’s funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carey, with the Rev. William Schultz officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the church. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Carey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dorcas Carey Public Library or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church and sent to Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay Street, Carey, OH 43316.
Arrangements were handled by Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.Stombaugh-Batton.com.