Deanna Snyders

Deanna Snyders, née Zahrli of Ankeny Iowa passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023. Deanna was born in Brussels, IL on November 29, 1939. Named after the singer Deanna Durbin she lived up to her namesake and blessed the world for decades with her beautiful singing voice.

She was the first in her family to go to college and taught English and music before marrying and raising five children. Deanna later served as a librarian at the Kirkendall Public Library and director of music ministry at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny. She had a deep faith in God and was selfless and generous beyond measure. Always positive and supportive of her children and those around her she lived a life of purpose, joy, and kindness. Deanna loved abundantly and is beloved by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Gina Snyders (Adil), Cathy Gray (Dave), Terri Crumley (Tim), Jeff Snyders (April) and Bill Snyders (Souhir), former spouse Eugene Snyders; sisters, Barb Jacobs (Tom) and Mary Stelbrink (Dave); grandchildren, Riley Gray (Emma), Patrick Gray (Whitney), Mary Gray, Evan Gray, Ian Crumley, Ella Crumley, Sophie Snyders, Luke Snyders, and Yasmine Snyders; two great-grandchildren, Eberlinn and Adalee Gray; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her beloved parents Catherine and Frederick Zahrli, brothers, Gene and Don, and sisters, Audrey and Ida.

A visitation will be held at Ankeny Funeral Home on Friday, May 5th, from 5 - 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. A Mass will be held the next day at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny at 11 a.m.

Memorials can be directed to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church Music Ministry. Please visit www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Snyders family.