Ray E. Snyder

Ray passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 72. The son of the late Lowell and Jennie (Woodard) Snyder was born January 14, 1953 in Alma, Michigan.

Ray loved working with his hands, and made beautiful pieces of furniture, including a rocking horse for his first grandson, which was eventually handed down to his last grandson. His favorite place to be was in front of one of his many grills, making anything from hibachi to shish kabobs to feed his family and friends. Ray enjoyed gardening and grew multiple types of tomatoes and peppers, some of which were too hot for anyone to eat. Ray was a proud owner of a 1996 Harley FXR2, which he loved taking long road trips on with his wife. After Ray retired, he enjoyed spending time flying with his old boss, John Ogden, to check out tower sites in Montana. Ray also looked forward to meeting with his cable buddies at their monthly lunch at North Point, and his Tuesday breakfast at Miss Michelle’s with his Forest Lake crew. Although he wasn’t able to see the completion of their new home, he had a front row seat watching the demo from his tablet.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jill Snyder, whom he married on April 29, 2006; children, Jenna (Ryan) Reinke and Chelsea (Jeffrey); step children, Amy (Carey) Winter, Andrea Slezak, Eric Schaefer and Peter Schaefer; grandchildren, Hampton Ray, Jackson, Brayden, Anna, Gabe and Chase; best friend, Mater “like Ta-Mater without the Ta”; brother, Larry (Jan) Snyder; sister-in-law, Bonnie Snyder; Brother, Duane (Bobbi) Snyder and his sister, Marilyn (Vic) Stanley. In addition to his parents, Ray was also preceded in death by his brother, Dale Snyder.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson with committal following in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Gephart Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family.