Iva Snyder

Iva Snyder was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was selfless and caring, yet the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is resilient. Modeling small acts of kindness and large acts of sacrifice, her story touched the lives of many. A warm and caring person, there is no doubt that she leaves behind a rich legacy of unconditional love to be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Looking back on the 1920s, it was a period of sustained economic prosperity. The media was focused on jazz music and celebrities, and at the brink of what would be known as the Roaring Twenties, Charles and Muriel (Buss) Stuck welcomed home their newborn daughter, Iva Joyce, on February 13, 1921, in Brady Township of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born into what became historically known as the Greatest Generation, she was the youngest of six children. Her birth brought great joy into the hearts of her loving parents. Iva was no stranger to humble times and worked to help her parents on the family farm. Farming taught her many values in life such as hard work and the value of a supportive family. She and her siblings lived a typical childhood of the times and there was never a dull moment in the Stuck household. Studious as well as ambitious, she made her parents proud when she earned Valedictorian of the Class of 1938 from Athens High School. Her parents modeled a strong work ethic as well as a solid foundation of faith. Iva and her siblings were raised to believe in the teachings of God's word and attended worship regularly. Iva leaned on her values and the promise of prayer many times throughout her life. Not to be forgotten was the meeting of her one true love, Richard Snyder. They hit it off right from the start and just shortly after turning twenty years old, she and Richard joined in marriage on May 11, 1941. Sharing many commonalities they were a perfect match and together raised four wonderful children; Philip, Carol, Linda, and Steve. As a family, they shared many lasting memories together. They also raised their children with the same upbringing of Christian values and attended the Fulton Christian Church for many years. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her children. Iva took her role as a mother very seriously. She was nurturing as well as helpful in any time of need and longed to spend time with them throughout the years. When her husband Richard passed away in 1975, Iva went on with the support from her family and many special friends. Never one to remarry, she continued her desire to serve her faith community and was active on the church board for many years. She was also a member of the Women's Fellowship and currently was the oldest living member of the church she called home. Known for her beautiful singing voice and her regular attendance, many parishioners knew her on a first name basis! Iva was also active with the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau and the Wakeshma Senior Citizens Group. When it came time for relaxation, she enjoyed time in her flower beds as well as traveling, sewing, crafting including quilting, cooking, and baking. Iva loved to entertain and was always sure her guests had enough to eat! She often liked to comment on who had their plates heaped with the most food! Talented as well as generous, there wasn't anything she couldn't do if she set her mind to do it! Although she held a vast array of many special interests, her family was her greatest source of pride and joy! Any amount of time they were gathered together she felt blessed. Iva enjoyed sharing many of her happiest moments with each and every one of them. Surviving many of life's greatest difficulties, she never wavered from her faith and her positive outlook on life! Her strong faith was unshakeable and she practiced what she preached. Her laughter, generosity, and exceptional hugs will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many special friends and loved ones for generations to come. Iva J. Snyder, of Fulton, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents, a son, Philip; a great-granddaughter, Kaylee Mendham; brother, Milton (Ruth) Stuck; sisters, Laura Growth, Eola (Perry) Barnes, Nora (Harold) Wise, and Charlotte (Winston) Rice. She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Brigance, and Linda (John) Wyant, both of Vicksburg; one son, Steve Snyder, of Fulton; two grandsons, Timothy LaPlante and Jeffery LaPlante; two granddaughters, Aimee (Dan) Mendham and Nicole (David) Furgason; five great-grandchildren, Joshua LaPlante, Tanner Mendham, Jacob Mendham, Jacob LaPlante, Eli Furgason. She is also survived by one brother in-law, three sister in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Fulton Christian Church on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at 11 am. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 am. Please visit Iva's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to Southern Care Hospice, Lending Hands, and/or the Fulton Christian Church.