Thelma Lee Ambrose Snyder Rayburn

 Heaven gained one unforgettable lady when Thelma Lee Ambrose Snyder Rayburn, age 85, of Rushville, hung up her apron and went home to rest on October 19, 2025. She passed peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her children — who are pretty sure she was still telling them what to do right up until the end.

Born in McConnelsville, Ohio, on January 29, 1940, Thelma was the kind of woman they just don’t make anymore. She married Robert G. Snyder, the love of her early life and father of her beautiful children, and together they built a home full of love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. After Robert’s passing in 1985, Thelma later married Carl Rayburn, who also went on ahead — probably getting things ready for her arrival.

Thelma was a proud STNA homecare worker, and she truly loved her job. Caring for people wasn’t just her work — it was her way of life. Even after retirement, she’d still check in on folks, give advice no one asked for but everyone needed, and make sure nobody left her house hungry or sad.

She could outwork most people half her age. Every morning, she was up before the sun, milking cows, wrangling nine kids, helping on the farm, and still managing to show up for her homecare visits with a smile and a story. Pregnant for 81 months out of her 85 years, Thelma knew more about raising kids than most experts ever will — and she did it all with love, grit, and a sharp sense of humor.

Her potato salad could win blue ribbons, her homemade bread could make you weak in the knees, and her tapioca pudding could bring a grown man to tears. If you were lucky enough to be around when she started yodeling or singing, you knew you were in the presence of something special. Music — especially old country and gospel — was her therapy, her joy, and her gift to everyone around her.

Thelma’s happiest times were when her big, beautiful family was gathered around — eating, laughing, swapping stories, and probably arguing a little, just the way she liked it. She was the heart and soul of her family, and the glue that held everyone together.

She leaves behind her proud and loving children: James Snyder, Phoebe Snyder, “Neatsie” (Mike) Barber, Mary Lee (Terry) Snoke, Jessie Snyder, Lenora Smith, Robert (Stacy) Snyder Jr., Glenna (James Savage) Snyder , and Sandra Kay (Tom) McClain; 24 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; her “adopted-by-love” daughter Doris Garvin; sister Janie (Tim) Hutchinson; brothers Donald and William B. Ambrose; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who all adored her.

She’s now reunited in heaven with her husbands Robert Snyder and Carl Rayburn, daughter-in-law Cindy Snyder, two great-great-grandchildren, brother Jim Ambrose, and sisters-in-law Diane and Ardith Ambrose.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, October 23rd at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, 207 S. Main St., Baltimore, Ohio 43105, with burial to follow at Hampson Cemetery in Pleasantville. Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.funeralhome.com.

Thelma spent her life giving — giving care, giving love, giving good food, and giving everyone around her a reason to smile. The world is a little dimmer without her, but heaven just got a whole lot livelier — and we’re sure the angels are already learning how to yodel.