We, the members and friends of First United Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa, send our heartfelt condolences to Betty's family.  She was well loved and respected by many people who hold treasured memories of her.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to surround you with peace and comfort.

To Betty's family: You  and Betty are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I was hired by Betty as a Nursing Instructor at Clinton Community College in 1978. She was a great mentor, educator, administrator, nurse and always a lady. I treasured the time I worked with her. She truly was a great role model and 'one of a kind'. The world has lost a great woman. Lonnie Kraft

Met Betty several times over her Clinton years as she and my mom, Dorothy Oakes, entertained jointly at Clinton Country Club events.  They always were ready for a party and a new dress.  Betty had a great capacity for organization and was a such valued partner in many of the gals endeavors. Mom passed Nov.26th of 2112, she was one year older than Betty...they were the hats and gloves era and never left the house unless nails done and hair perfect.  Know you all will miss her greatly,  sincere sympathy on her passing.  Rita waage, Colona, Il.

We at First Baptist Church of Clinton, Iowa wish to extend our heart-felt condolences to the family of Betty Snyder.  She and Dr. Snyder were beloved members of our community.  Dr. Snyder was one of the organists at FBC for many years.

I remember Betty Lou practicing one Dec. in Clinton to sing a solo of "Oh Holy Night" for midnight mass at the Presbyterian Church,  to Dad's pipe organ accomp.   Her voice could rattle the living room windows, yet, she was so shy about singing in front of people, that she sang her solo from a doorway off of the altar.  She sounded so beautiful and clear that night!    Later she stepped out of the doorway and played a  lead in "On Golden Pond" for Clinton Community Theatre, and had a dancing/singing solo in "Pippin" at Timberlake Playhouse.  I think Dad saw all 14 shows from the front row; he was so proud of Betty Lou, and she would wink at him during the number.    Bucky Snyder

My stepmother Betty Lou married my father in 1975 and moved from Houston to Clinton Iowa, leaving her family and a very successful career in higher education. Although I was off to college by then, I was fortunate to spend three summers living at home.  I will always treasure the love and warm affection that she showed to my father and my siblings, while she adjusted to the challenges of small town life, along with a new relationship and home.  

It was very gratifying to see her succeed in everything she took on. She and my father seemed like two teenagers in their love for each other...and I was still a teenager myself!  She was always there whenever we needed help or encouragement, especially as a grandmother.  

She taught me to appreciate many things, including ballroom dancing, stong coffee and the need to devein Gulf shrimp.  She had the patience of a saint and new exactly how to work successfully with all kinds of people, including my Dad and some of the more crotchety City Councilmembers while she was Mayor.  

We will miss her.

Mark, Alice, Alex and Michael Snyder
Seattle, WA

I remember that Grandma Betty Lou taught my cousin Hilary and I to be ladies. She was so kind, warm, graceful, and full of light. I will truly miss her. She was/is such a beautiful person.

OBITUARY

Elizabeth Snyder

September 20, 1920 – November 29, 2013

Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services