Ray Oliver Snyder

Ray O. Snyder, 90, of Rockford, died on Wednesday December 24, 2025 in his home.

Ray was born March 21, 1935 at home in Polo, IL, the son of Clifford A. and Carrie B. (Slifer) Snyder. Ray lived in the Polo and Oregon area until he moved with his parents and sister to Rockford in November 1949.

Ray graduated from Rockford West High School in 1955. He was married to Sharon L. (Stoll) Snyder on September 25, 1965 at Grace United Methodist Church. Ray worked for local grocery stores including, IGA, throughout his career. Years after retirement, Ray and his family enjoyed hearing from former customers and co-workers who recognized him in the community. Ray had a quiet, dry sense of humor that many really enjoyed, he had great comedic timing. Ray enjoyed raising pigs and chickens and had beautiful gardens. Ray could often be found in the garage or at car shows. He was an animal lover who had many beloved dogs and cats over the years and could be found daily putting out the peanuts and corn for the squirrels. The bird feeder was always prepared outside of the kitchen window. Ray was a man of few words, but you could always count on him to say yes when his children called and asked for help with a little or big task.

Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon and five children; Donna Langford of Beloit, LeAnn (Larry) Gonzalez of Aurora, Jody (Christopher) Minnier of Rockford, Alan (Christiana) Snyder of Des Moine and Stephanie (Matthew Lesher) Snyder of Byron. Grandchildren Katie (Brandon) Mueller, Rebeccah (Hayden Brison) Snyder, Emily (Jacob) Turney, Ally Gonzalez, Helena Snyder, Mandy Gonzalez, David Snyder, Jacob Minnier, Joseph Lesher and Colton Lesher. Great Grandchildren August, Madison, Jamison, Maverick, Malcolm, Matilda, Mackenna, Daphne and several nieces and nephews.

Ray is predeceased by his parents, sister, Mae I. Towne and granddaughter, Carrie Minnier.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. McCarthy and his staff and all the staff at Mercyhealth Home Health, Palliative Care and Hospice. This past year would not have been possible without their support.

Funeral services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Genandt Chapel, 602 N. Elida St, Winnebago, IL. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026. Burial in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River. Luncheon to follow.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit olsonfh.com