Wilma Jean (Starcher) Snyder

Wilma Jean (Starcher) Snyder, age 86, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Thursday, October 19, 2023.  Jean was born on April 30, 1937, to her mother, Virgie May Calhoun Starcher (Wamsley) and William Lee Starcher.  She graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School in W. Va. In 1953.  She had 7 siblings and leaves behind one sibling, her sister, Sarah.  Jean had a fulfilling life and was a hard worker and would do anything for someone in need.

She raised 4 children, among them, her son, Ronnie, who was born with cerebral palsy.  She devoted her life to making sure his life was as normal as possible.

Raised on a working farm, she baked from scratch, rode horses, and loved being outside.  Jean went to church every Sunday where her and her sisters would sing in a small country church across from their childhood home.  She loved gospel and country music and had a beautiful voice.  Very strong willed, she never complained, and cared for everyone around her.  As a mother, she was generous, loving and kind.

She married the love of her life, Elmer L. Snyder Sr. on December 16, 1962, and resided in Perry, Ohio.  She worked at Bank One in Painesville, the Lake County Telegraph in Painesville, Ashtabula Star Beacon, and Geauga Times Leader in Chardon for 30 years.  After the passing of her loving husband of 34 years, in 1996, she went back to work for Lake Hospitals as a switchboard operator until the age of 75.

Mother, you will be forever in our hearts and there are no words on how much we will miss you, but we know you are in a much better place, free from pain, and will be watching over us from heaven, guiding us to be like the exemplary person you were.  The angel took you by your hand and took you home, and God is pleased to have you back in His arms where you belong.

Jean is survived by her son, Larry Hamilton (Helen) Snyder of Perry, daughter, Cathy (Doug) Powell of Perry, Ronnie L. Snyder of Ashtabula, son, Elmer L. Snyder II of Rome, Ohio, sister, Sarah (Butch) Watson of Georgetown, Ohio.  Grandsons, Christopher (Lexy) Powell of Marysville, Ohio, Bryan M. Powell of Iowa City, Iowa, Gavin Snyder of Perry, and Elmer L. Snyder III of Rome, Ohio.  Many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Elmer L. Snyder Sr., her parents, William Lee Starcher and Virgie M. Calhoun (Starcher) Wamsley, brothers, Rush Starcher, James and David Wamsley, sisters Dorothy Casada, Edna Wright and Margaret Spangler.

The family gives their greatest gratitude to Symphony at Mentor, Cleveland Clinic Hospice, and much needed support from friends.

Friends will be received 5:00-8:00 PM, Monday, October 23, 2023, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, and from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Tuesday, October 24th followed by the Funeral Service at 12:30 PM at the funeral home.  Pastor and long-time friend Stoney Drain, Senior Pastor of Painesville Baptist Church will officiate the service.  Final resting will be in Perry Cemetery on the corner of Lane Road and Route 84.

Family suggests contributions in Jean’s name be sent to Cleveland Clinic Hospice, United Cerebral Palsy, the Dementia Society of America, and Wounded Warrior Project.

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