Phyllis Arlene Snyder, 90, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025. Born on September 24, 1935, to Harry and Juanita (Tom) Gephart in Lyons, Ohio, she grew up in the rural community of Malinta, Ohio, where she assisted her parents in their family-owned egg business. Phyllis cherished and expanded upon her grandmother’s beloved chicken collection.
A proud graduate of Malinta-Grelton High School, Phyllis went on to earn her degree from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1956, becoming a registered nurse in the state of Ohio. She dedicated 18 years to St. Vincent’s Hospital, primarily in the Neuro ICU, where early in her career she cared for her future mother-in-law, Irene Ardley, who introduced her to the man who would become her husband of 68 years, Norman Snyder Jr. The couple married in 1957, and with the arrival of their first child in 1960, Phyllis chose to step away from her nursing career to become a devoted homemaker, raising their family of six children in the home they built on Nanafield Drive in Temperance, where they resided since 1961.
Phyllis was deeply involved in her children’s lives, supporting their pursuits through organizations like Bluebirds, Campfire Girls, Cub Scouts, sports teams, school band, PTA, and serving as a room mother. Her love for family extended to joyful gatherings, from camping trips and sporting events—including UT basketball games—to family reunions and quality time with her grandchildren. She delighted in puzzles, knitting, sewing homemade clothing, playing games, and reading stories, with a special affinity for teddy bears Ever the thoughtful Mother, Phyllis coordinated home gatherings and extended family reunions, meticulously creating annual calendars to mark every birthday and anniversary, ensuring no one felt overlooked. Her extraordinary habit of mailing cards and gifts for every holiday and special occasion bridged distances and strengthened bonds across generations.
A gifted cook with a generous spirit, Phyllis prepared soups for the sick, large meals for her loved ones, and assisted with God Works to support needy families in the community. Her hospitality allowed impromptu guests to be welcomed with extra tables, plates, and warmth. Alongside Norman, she was an active member of St. Luke’s Church in Temperance for 60 years, serving on committees, coordinating ministries, and participating in volunteer activities. They also found lifelong friendships through their involvement in a Lutheran Marriage Encounter group.
Beyond her professional nursing background, Phyllis embodied the heart of a caretaker, tending to family members, neighbors, and, in her final years, devotedly caring for her husband. Being a grandmother was at the core of her joy; her 10 grandchildren 14 great-grandchildren will forever remember her home as a safe haven of hugs, cookie baking, sleepovers, M&Ms, puzzles, swimming, and outings to the zoo or apple orchard.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Snyder Jr.; son, Mark Snyder; and sister, Lois (Zeke) Rusch. She is survived by her brother, Roy (Judy) Gephart; children, Jeff (Tammy) Snyder, Jenny (Scott) Larsen, Laura (John) Quinn, Kevin (Carolyn) Snyder, and Brad (BK) Snyder; along with her cherished grandchildren, Brandie, Josh, Erin, Shannon, Jessica, Chelsea, Will, Luke, Makayla, Janice and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 1690 West Sterns Rd, Temperance, MI where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Whiteford Union Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or Habitat for humanity. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.
