Marlys M. Snyders

Larchwood, IA

    Marlys Snyders age 82 of Larchwood, IA peacefully passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021 at her home in Larchwood, IA.

     Funeral service will take place 10:30 AM Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA with Rev. Rich Jensen officiating. Burial will follow at the Larchwood City Cemetery.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, May 26^th at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

     The Jurrens Funeral Home of Larchwood, IA is in charge of arrangements.

     Marlys Maurine Snyders was born December 5, 1938 in Valley Springs, SD to Albert and Delia (Horn) Scholten.  She graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1956.  As a child Marlys developed a tender heart for animals on the family farm.  In high school she cheered on Valley Springs Wolverines and sang in the choirs. 

     On May 3, 1958 she was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Snyders.  They made their home in Valley Springs for 2 years before settling in the Larchwood area.  There they welcomed Kim, Kevin and Kent into their family.  They celebrated 53 years together until Dick’s death in 2011.

     Marlys worked in secretarial and managerial office work at various places in Sioux Falls over the years.  Her final place of employment was at Grand Labs until her retirement in 2004.  She was a long-term member of United Church of Christ serving on the funeral committee and volunteering her time at the food pantry.  She was an avid Vikings fan throughout the years despite their challenging seasons.

     Marlys was a caretaker by nature.  Her busiest job was in her retirement years tending to her growing family and her husband during his years of illness.  She was devoted to her family and loved each new family member, whether by marriage or birth, as if they were her own.  She instantly became your grandma the moment she met you.  She stayed active following her grandkids and great grandkids to as many sporting and school events as possible. 

    Marlys also stayed busy socializing with her circle of friends playing board games, going to movies, playing Bingo and going out to eat.  She looked forward to new life each spring tending to her flowers and garden.  She continued her affection for animals throughout her lifetime and spent her most recent years caring for the many stray cats and their kittens.       

     She is survived by her children, Kimberly (Tom) Blauwet; Kevin (Miki) Snyders and Kent Snyders, all of Larchwood, IA; grandchildren Stephanie (Brad) Ideker, Ethan (Trista) Blauwet, Dustin (Lisa) Snyders, Benjamin (Amber) Blauwet, Nicholas (Kira) Snyders, Caleb (Teresa) Blauwet, Zachary Snyders and Trevor (Mary) Snyders; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Judy) Scholten of Tomball, TX; sisters-in-law, LaVerne Scholten and MarLene Scholten both of Valley Springs. 

     In addition to her parents, Marlys was preceded in death by her husband Dick, sister Kathryn, brothers Alvin and Milton, and great-grandson Alec Ideker.