Olive May Penrod Snyder

Olive May Penrod Snyder, 80, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by family at The Cedars, McPherson.

She was born August 1, 1944, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Morton S. and Carole V. (Peterson) Widiger. She graduated from McPherson High School in 1963. She continued her education at Central College. 

On November 12, 1965, Olive was united in marriage to William Ray Penrod in Weir, KS. He passed away January 25, 1992. 

Olive’s first job was at Bader’s Dry Cleaners in McPherson. She then, along with being a homemaker, was a cook and Certified Nursing Assistant. She also worked in housekeeping and at manufacturing firms in the McPherson and Hutchinson area. 

She most recently attended Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson, KS. She played the violin, flute, and piccolo and sang in the Bethany College’s Messiah performances in Lindsborg, KS. Olive loved family gatherings, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. She was a proud grandmother and loved sharing memories of her family. She enjoyed animals and had many cherished pets in her lifetime.

Survivors include three daughters, Judi Penrod (Rikhardur Josafatsson) of Reykjavik, Iceland, Carol Helton (Jody) of Inman, KS, and Deborah Penrod of Galva, KS; sisters, Jane Donaldson of Wichita, KS, Mary Roderick (Rick) of Roach, MO, and Delores Gillis of Aurora, CO; a brother, Dale Widiger (Desiree) of Wichita, KS; four grandchildren, Jesse Tosten (Josh), Richard James (Allysia), Joanna Helton, and Adam Rikhardsson; a great-grandson, Kol Torres; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Morton & Carole Widiger; husband, Bill Penrod; and two infant daughters, Jane Adele Penrod and Michelle Dawn Penrod.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM, Thursday, January 23, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Pastor Bart Horton officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations can be made to The Cedars or Grace Bible Church (for the Special Grace Ministry) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.