Norma Lee Snyder

Norma Lee (Bartlett) Snyder, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away January 11, 2025. Born November 21, 1930, in Centerville, Missouri, to Richard Thurman Bartlett and Doris Lucille Ray, she grew up with her siblings Mary, Allen and Richard. They remained especially close throughout their lives. 

She graduated from Gallatin High School in 1948 and married Maurice Youtsey. After daughter Melinda Lee (Mindy) was born Norma and Mindy moved to Kansas City. Norma began her career as a secretary at SBA, and later joined Hallmark Cards, where she made lasting contributions until her retirement. Norma married Richard Whitley on August 5, 1968. They had a love for exploration, traveling the world and creating memories until Richard‘s passing in 1982. On October 19, 1994, she married Frank Snyder. They enjoyed their classic car club and made memories and friends while attending events and participating in car club caravan drives across the country until his passing in 2011. 

Norma was a woman who never seemed to slow down. She was an avid reader, played bridge with friends, joined Bible study groups and was always up for joining any event, planned or spontaneous, with family and friends. She was a fan of KU basketball and enthusiastically supported the Kansas City Chiefs. Her sharp mind and nurturing spirit made her a trusted advisor, caregiver and friend to all. Always just a phone call away, her family often relied on her knowledge as a grammar enthusiast, and used her input as the final word. 

Helping others was second nature to Norma. Her nurturing heart extended to her church community at Deerbrook Covenant Church in Lee’s Summit, where she formed deep and lasting friendships. The commitment she shared with the church was evident as she always found time to care for those around her whether they needed a listening ear or a helping hand. Norma‘s loving spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched. 

Most every weekend for many years her close family gathered for breakfast and we all cherish the laughter and stories that leave us with many sweet memories. 

The community at Oxford Grand became a source of comfort and joy for Norma in her later years. She cherished the meaningful friendships she formed there and was surrounded by compassionate caregivers, whose kindness and support embraced both her and her family. 

Norma is preceded in death by her brother Allen Bartlett, husband Richard Whitley, husband Frank Snyder, stepson Bob Whitley, brother-in-law Eldon Kelley, and sister-in-law Jeana Bartlett. 

She is survived by her devoted daughter Mindy Searcy, and son-in-law Dean, of Liberty, MO. Mindy and Norma shared an unbreakable bond, facing life’s challenges hand in hand. Their connection only grew stronger through Norma‘s last days as Mindy was always by her side. They were more than mother and daughter, they were lifelong confidants and the truest of friends. 

She also leaves behind her sister Mary Kelley of St. Louis, MO, half-brother Richard (Linda) Bartlett of Martinez, GA, sister-in-law Alice Bartlett, Loganville, GA, granddaughters Stacy Johnson and Sarah Albright, Kansas City, MO, and great granddaughters Lucy and Alice Johnson. From her marriage to Frank she is survived by stepdaughter Elizabeth (Matt) Rowland and grandchildren Elijah and Mylie. From her marriage to Richard she is survived by stepchildren Susan Peters, Penny Whitley, Richard Whitley, Jill Whitley (Leif Garrison), and Wendy (Ben) Hall. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and her loving companion Don Ricketts will miss her deeply.

There will be a memorial service for Norma at Deerbrook Covenant Church, 200 NE Tudor Road, Lee’s Summit on February 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation in Norma's honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8695554&fr_id=154020&pg=personal