Patricia Snyder

Patricia Ann (Garriott) Snyder, age 85, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at her son, James' home in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

She was born January 24, 1931 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Julian and Hazel (Shields) Garriott. Pat moved to Battle Creek, Michigan at the age of 8, and was a 1949 National Honor Society graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She earned her Associate's Degree in Business and Secretarial Science from Michigan State College in 1953 and worked for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for several years. In 1973 she began work as a secretary for Grand Trunk Railroad. After retirement, she volunteered at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and NorthPointe Woods senior living community. In 2012 she made NorthPointe her home and became a vital and beloved member of the residential community.

Patricia was united in marriage to Ronald K. Snyder at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek on September 14, 1952. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ron on June 7, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Garriott; and daughter, Carol Wood (2012). Surviving are her sons Jeffrey Snyder of Richmond, Virginia; James Snyder of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Scott Snyder of Chicago, Illinois; and daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Stephen Abisso of Andover, Massachusetts; as well as grandchildren, Joseph Abisso of Brooklyn, New York; Alexandra Abisso of Boston, Massachusetts; Nick Snyder of Los Angeles, California; and Bradley Snyder and Erich Snyder from Richmond, Virginia. She will also be very much missed by her sister and brother-in law Marilyn and Robert T. Sackrider, along with nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

She had been a member of the First Congregational Church since 1943, where she was a member of the Suzanna Winslow Circle. She was blessed with many gifts including a keen intelligence and was known as an avid reader and outstanding bridge player for all of her adult life; and was tech savvy enough to enjoy her computer, Nook and iPad up until the time of her death. However, her greatest gifts may have been her vitality, grace and kindness. She had an innate ability to make all who knew her love her and enjoy being with her. More than anything, Patricia loved spending time with her family and friends.

Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Tom Ryberg at the First Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2016, preceded by visitation with the family starting at 10:00 a.m., and followed by a luncheon in the church's Atrium. A private internment service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Patricia may be made to the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at wwwfarleyestesdowdle.com.