Judy D. Snyder

Judy “Jude” Snyder (AKA “Oma” to her grandkids!), 86, of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2025, just 3 short weeks after the cruel diagnosis that stomach cancer had metastasized. On November 3, 1938 in KC, Judy was born to Ralph H. and Ila L. (Ashwill) Wagner at home, with her father assisting! It was snowing so much the doctor couldn’t get there! At age 12, her parents moved the family to a 7 ½ acre tract of land in Raytown, MO where, with blood, sweat, and tears, they built their house, and continued to add to it over the years and established a small crop/animal farm. At 15, Jude started working part-time jobs, and after high school went to work at Sears Roebuck where she met Norman ”Norm” Snyder and his ’57 Chevy! On January 31, 1959 they were married, and cars remained a shared passion through their 65 years together. In the late ‘60s, Jude was a keypunch operator for Gustin-Bacon Certainteed. Over a 30+ year timeframe, while raising 4 children, Jude was in various jobs and schooling in KC and also Chicago, where Sears transferred Norm in 1970. In 1978, she and Norm moved the family back to KC when he left Sears to work for Western Auto. In 1992, after working 5 years for Sprint, Jude ended her career life just a few months before her first grandchild was born. She was involved in volunteer work at the Raytown Historical Society for a number of years, along with she spent much of her time helping care for her growing number of grandkids, and even one of her nephews.

Jude loved spending time with family; holidays, lake trips with Norm in their RV with their various boats, and traveling the country (and beyond!) as the family spread out. She was an eternally young at heart, tough as nails, hardworking, fun-loving, people-loving, animal-loving, outdoor-loving, music-loving beautiful force of energy with phenomenal artistic & creative talent, and had an impressive way with words, not only as an amateur writer, but also with her spoken words! She is already so greatly missed by her family and friends!

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Norman; sisters: Darlene White, Janet Jacoby, and Ginger Isaacson; and brother: Terry Wagner. She is survived by her children: Ken Snyder, Sherri (Terry) Jett, Kirk (Debbie) Snyder, and Staci (Wade) Fernau; siblings: Rick Wagner, Glenn (Sigi) Wagner, and Tim (Cherie) Wagner; sister-in-law: Winona Williams; grandchildren: Nathan Jett, Blake Fernau, Brooke Fernau, and Jack Snyder. She also leaves behind her aunt Ruth Ann (Wagner) Harp, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial-Celebration service will take place at the Princeton Senior Living in Lee’s Summit, MO on Saturday February 8, 2025 from 1:00-5:00pm, with a message from the pastor at 2:00pm. Finger foods and drinks will be served. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Raytown Historical Society 9705 E. 63rd St. Raytown, MO 64133. Also please, if possible, the family would love for all to sign the online guestbook below this obituary here on Park Lawn’s website.