Madelyn Snyder
Jul 30, 1931 - Jul 1, 2025
Bellevue
Madelyn (Maddie) Snyder, 93, of
Bellevue, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Madelyn was born July 30, 1931, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, to Katherine (Stipes) Schultz. Madelyn spent her life spreading kindness, laughter, and a touch of sweetness everywhere she went.
A proud graduate of Martins Ferry High School's Class of 1949-affectionately known as "The 49'ers"-Madelyn stayed active with her classmates for decades, treasuring the friendships that began in those halls. Her first jobs at the bingo hall and G.C. Murphy in Wheeling, West Virginia, were just the start of a long, dedicated work life defined by her cheerful spirit and strong work ethic.
After marrying Clarence (Bud) Snyder February 7, 1958, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Madelyn moved to the family farm in Vickery, Ohio, where she raised her daughter, Karen, and fully enjoyed her role as a devoted farmer's wife. She worked for many years at Hinde & Dauch Paper Company in Sandusky, and when that chapter closed, she found a new home at General Motors' New Departure Sandusky plant as a data entry clerk until her retirement in 1987.
After retirement, Madelyn found great joy in being an active grandmother to her granddaughter, Katie, driving her to countless dance practices and cheering her on at competitions, always her biggest fan and proudest supporter.
When Ohio winters came calling, she would escape to Silver Springs and The Villages, Florida, where she enjoyed sunshine, good company, and plenty of card games and bunko nights.
Retirement, however, never slowed Madelyn down. In 2012, she and Karen began a new adventure together working at Cedar Point, where Madelyn spent fourteen delightful seasons greeting guests and brightening their days at various shops, her favorite being the Sweet Spot. With a warm smile and a sweet sample ready, Madelyn built a loyal following of visitors who returned year after year for her fudge recommendations and friendly conversation. Her dedication and warmth earned her the prestigious Corner Store Award, a testament to how deeply she touched both coworkers and guests alike.
A woman of deep faith, Madelyn was a sixty-year member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sandusky, where she formed lifelong friendships and served her community.
An animal lover through and through, Madelyn adored her rescue dogs Jack, Sophie, and Sandi, who were constant companions over the years. Her baking was legendary, especially her Buckeyes, cookies, and pies, all made with love and shared generously.
Madelyn was a true social butterfly, often seen about town with Karen and her niece, Sue, for their weekly girls' days out, or traveling cross-country to California to visit her great-grandchildren, Pippa and Jameson, who brought her endless joy. She was an avid Ohio State football fan, always ready to cheer on her Buckeyes, whether at a game or from her living room.
Above all, Madelyn never met a stranger. She could spark up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, leaving behind a trail of smiles and fond memories. Her life was a beautiful example of how simple kindness, laughter, and good company can make the world a better place.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Katie; great-grandchildren, Pippa and Jameson; extended family; dear friends; and all who were lucky enough to know her. As we say goodbye, we celebrate a life so well lived, one that brought sweetness to all of ours.
Madelyn is survived by her daughter, Karen (Neal) Leimbach; granddaughter, Katie (William) Perry-Jeffery; great-grandchildren, Pippa and Jameson Jeffery; nieces, Sue Culver, Rebecca Helal, Joyce Bellanco, and Jeanne Goldman; and nephews, Howard "Cook" Schultz and Paul Snyder.
In addition to her mother, Madelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Snyder, whom she married February 7, 1958, in Martins Ferry; and siblings, Howard, Harry, Edward, and Mary Jane.
Memorial contribu-tions may be made in Madelyn's honor to Trinity United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870 or Jack and Maddie's Animal Rescue, 5755 Norwich Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411.
Graveside service is open to the public for family and friends to attend and will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2025, at Parkhurst Cemetery. Foos and Foos Funeral Service is in care of arrangements.
Celebration of Madelyn's life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, her 94th birthday, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life so full of love, laughter, and beautiful moments. In tribute to Madelyn, guests are encouraged to wear a bit of red, her favorite color, to celebrate her vibrant spirit.
Published by Norwalk Reflector on Jul. 5, 2025.