Mrs. Wanda Lou Snyder, daughter of the late Gladys Callen and John “Babe” Balthrop was born on August 25, 1936, in Ada, OK. She attended Byng Public Schools where she played competitive softball and basketball under the hall of fame coach, Bertha Frank-Teague. She became a high school graduate from Byng High School in 1954. She unashamedly professed her faith in Jesus Christ and dedicated her life to serving Him, and the lives of others.
Wanda Lou loved her family fiercely, and she spent the majority of her early adult years at home taking care of her family, making many personal sacrifices in an attempt to provide a strong, safe family unit for her three children. As her children formed families of their own, her nurturing personality led her into a few different career choices including being a personal nanny, caretaking, and working as a customer care representative for Vision Bank in downtown Ada. She had a gentle personality and an optimistic outlook on life which made her a joy to be around.
In March 2006 she married the love of her life, Mr. Bill Snyder. Together they faithfully attended Lovelady Baptist Church, and their unconditional love for each other was a true reflection of God’s love for us. Wanda studied God’s Word regularly and rarely missed an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with those she loved, especially her grandchildren. Although we are saddened by her passing, we can all rejoice knowing she is in Heaven with her Savior, free from sickness and pain.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, the aforementioned John & Gladys Balthrop, brothers J.R., Joe & Craig Balthrop, a sister, Geneva Walker, and her oldest son, John Ellis. She is survived by her children Cindy Bryan & Jim Hall, Jerimy & Anna Ellis, Ronnie Wayne & Janie Snyder, Sheila Jones & Rusty Atkeson, and Debbie Cathey. Grandchildren Jamie & Craig Matthews, Shelly & Jay Parker, Joni & Brian Thomas, Jennifer & Tanner McGill, Mark & Lauren Bryan, Stevie Ellis, Benjamin Ellis, Ronnie DeWayne Snyder, Whitney & Gabriel Konen, Summer Snyder & Tyler Jones, Tiffany Cathey, Tyrel Jones, and Mallory & Cody Cosby.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Wanda at 2:00 pm Friday, June 23rd at Criswell Funeral Home, officiated by Richard Bailey and Pastor Coy Howry of Lovelady Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday June 22nd at Criswell Funeral Home.
The family says those who wish may make memorials to the charity of their choice or to the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
